BRARY 

VERS1TY  OP 

M.IFORNIA 


University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


JdlTJtll 


REV.   E.   R.    CARTER. 


THE 


BLACK   SIDE 


A    PARTIAL    HISTORY    OF    THE    BUSINESS,    RELIGIOUS 

AND    EDUCATIONAL    SIDE    OF    THE    NEGRO 

IN    ATLANTA,    GA. 


BY 


REV.  E.  R.  CARTER, 

Author  of  "Our    Pulpit    Illustrated"    "Descriptive 
Scenes  of  Europe  and  the   Orient." 


ATLANTA,  GA. 

1894. 


LOAN  STACK 


ftf. 

CI7 

I  MY 


PREFACE. 


This  Book  comes  to  the  public  from  one  who  has  the 
care  of  a  large  pastorate,  busy  studying  and  praying  in 
order  to  find  how  he  may  best  serve  his  flock;  it  comes 
to  a  people  who  are  not  all  prepared  to  appreciate  a  work 
of  this  kind  from  one  of  their  own  race. 

The  Negro,  it  seems  to  the  author,  is  not  yet  ready  to 
encourage  its  men  of  a  historical  and  literary  turn  of 
mind — not  even  those  who  are  in  advance  of  the  common 
people.  I  have  often  thought  if  I  was  anything  else 
but  of  the  race  I  am,  I  might,  perhaps,  be  something  and 
be  able  to  do  and  also  make  somebody  else  something, 
but  as  it  is,  I  am  doubtful.  Yet  I  feel  encouraged 
enough  not  to  despair,  but  to  push  forward  under  God's 
help  with  hope  to  become  something  and  to  yet  make 
my  people  something.  It  is  universally  conceded  that 
my  people  have  accomplished  what  no  other  race  in  the' 
world  ever  accomplished  in  so  short  a  time,  and  notwith- 
standing I  am  not  so  flushed  with  what  we  have  accom- 
plished to  forget  the  fact  that  we  have  not  as  yet  more 
than  got  our  foot  on  the  bottom  round  of  the  ladder, 
whose  top  leads  to  all  that  a  race  must  possess  to  be 
classed  with  the  races  who  passed  through  centuries  to 
lay  their  hands  on  the  top  round. 

Generations  must  come  and  go  before  this  can  be 
done.  It  took  five  hundred  years  to  make  a  Jew  in  the 
days  of  Abraham,  eight  hundred  years  to  make  a  Roman 
in  Cicero's  time,  and  one  thousand  years  to  make  an 
Englishman.  We  have  done  well  for  the  time  we  have 


IV  PREFACE. 

had,  but  not  well  enough.  To  stop  and  take  time  to 
argue  about  what  we  have  done,  is  like  a  little  boy 
boasting  of  his  manly  acts  before  he  has  hardly  com- 
menced in  life,  so  we  may  by  so  doing  spoil  all  we  have 
done.  Yet  we  may,  as  we  go,  on  'speak  of  what  we  have 
done  for  our  own  encouragement  and  inspiration  of  those 
who  are  to  follow  in  our  footprints. 

The  Black  Side  will  be  one  of  the  factors  in  solving 
the  great  Negro  problem. 

These  beautiful,  cultured  faces,  either  in  the  school  of 
experience  or  letters,  will  do  much  in  advancing  a  step 
farther  in  finding  the  answer  in  the  great  problem. 

This  book  represents  men,  young  and  old,  who  have 
come  to  the  front  in  life  with  everything  to  discourage 
them,  no  lucrative  position  to  inspire  them,  nothing  to 
encourage ^ save  the  natural  ability  being  an  impetus  to 
their  successful  business  tact  which  the  God  of  Nature 
has  abundantly  crowned  the  Negro  with. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  book  will  do  much  when  it  is  read 
to  give  a  great  impetus  to  the  younger  ones. 

This  wish  is  the  inmost  throbbing  of  the  Author's  life. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


BY  BISHOP  H.  M.  TURNER,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

"  To  everything  there  is  a  season  and  a  time  to  every 
purpose  under  the  heaven,"  says  the  wise  King  of  Israel. 
He  further  says :  "  I  have  seen  the  travail,  which  God 
hath  given  to  the  sons  of  men  to  be  exercised  in  it." 
Recognizing  the  truth  of  these  divine  declarations,  this  is 
evidently  the  time  and  the  season  for  so  much  of  the 
Hamitic  races  as  includes  the  Negro,  to  take  their  place 
among  the  literary  men  of  the  present  age,  and  rapidly 
are  they  doing  so.  Year  after  year  additions  to  our 
libraries  are  made  by  the  productions  of  this  cold-shoul- 
dered and  undervalued  race. 

A  few  years  ago  it  was  argued  by  the  contemners  of 
the  Negro  that  he  was  not  only  degraded,  non-intellectual, 
but  created  an  inferior  race  by  that  God  who  is  no  re- 
specter of  persons,  and  as  such  was  destitute  of  a  knowl- 
edge of  governmental  institutions,  and  could  not  compre- 
hend the  subtilties  of  any  system  of  philosophy.  Another 
charge  that  has  repeatedly  been  alleged,  was  that  he 
either  had  no  history  or  had  been  too  incompetent  to  pre- 
serve it.  This  allegation  is  false  and  ever  has  been,  as 
all  ancient  history  abounds  with  the  genius,  skill,  bravery, 
adventure  and  enterprise  of  the  Hamitic  races;  and  the 
same  has  been  preserved,  not  only  in  recorded  annals, 
but  in  granite  shafts  and  heaven-towering  spires.  The 
man,  or  men,  who  make  such  assertions,  advertise  their 
ignorance  of  history  upon  the  one  hand,  or  proclaim  their 
disregard  of  truth  upon  the  other. 


VI  INTRODUCTORY. 

Who  built  the  pyramids  of  Egypt  ?  Who  embalmed 
the  dead  heroes  that  have  defied  the  tooth  of  time  for 
four  thousand  years  ?  Who  founded  and  organized  the 
first  civil  governments  ?  Who  built  the  first  floating 
crafts  and  spread  their  sails  to  the  breeze  ?  Who  'first 
carved  wood  and  chiseled  stone  ?  What  people  insti- 
tuted military  protection,  and  marshalled  men  by  thous- 
ands to  the  defense  of  their  country  ?  Who  first  de- 
signed the  hieroglyphics  and  made  them  the  symbols  of 
thought  and  expression  ?  Who  gave  Greece  that  alpha- 
bet which  enabled  Homer  to  write  his  world-famed 
Iliad  ?  Echo  answers,  Who  ? 

Read  the  historic  lore  of  ages,  and  the  footprints  and 
finger-marks  of  the  sons  of  Ham  will  tell  the  inquiring 
student  who.  But  let  us  admit  that  the  Negro  was  a 
degraded  being  during  the  days  of  our  enthrallment  and 
forced  dehumanized  condition.  Is  it  anv  marvel  ?  Was 

* 

not  every  form  of  our  environment  degraded  ?  Were 
we  not  brought  up  under  a  degraded  people  ?  Were 
not  the  whites,  to  whom  we  belonged,  equally  degraded, 
and  did  they  not  close  the  doors  of  every  avenue  that 
looked  toward  our  elevation  ?  But  why  pause  to  discuss 
that  phase  of  this  doleful  subject  ?  Thank  God,  the 
Negro  has  outlived  them  all,  and  our  duty  now  is  to  look 
to  the  future.  While  we  may  not  entirely  forget  the 
past,  we  may  remember  it  only  as  an  incentive  to  achieve 
grander  results  in  the  progressive  hereafter. 

That  other  falsehood  also,  that  the  Negro  can  only 
attain  to  certain  limited  conditions,  is  equally  defunct. 
He  can,  and  will,  do  what  any  other  people  can. 

Hinton  R.  Helper,  of  South  Carolina,  says,  in  his  works  on 
"  Negroism,"  that  only  from  the  fair  Caucasian  race  can 
statesmen,  orators,  poets,  philosophers,  historians,  law- 
yers, physicians,  merchants  and  editors  be  obtained,  to 
say  nothing  of  great  authors,  logical  ministers  of  the 


INTRODUCTORY.  VII 

gospel,  manufacturers,  adventurers,  etc.  Let  us,  how- 
ever, see.  From  Mr.  Helper's  own  State  we  have  the 
world-renowned  Bishop  D.  A.  Payne,  D.D.,  LL.D. ;  the 
celebrated  Robert  Smalls  ;  the  learned  F.  L.  Cardoza; 
the  mathematical  professor,  J.  W.  Morris,  A.M.,  LL.B., 
the  national  famed  Robert  B.  Elliott,  and  eloquent 
Richard  H.  Cain,  both  of  whom  held  the  United 
States  Congress  spellbound;  the  fluent  yet  learned  Rev. 
Frank  J.  Grimkee,  D.D.;  the  massive-brained  Elder  A. 
T.  Carr,  whose  granite  shaft  in  Charleston's  cemetery 
vies  with  John  C.  Calhoun's;  and  the  universally -known 
and  ever  to  be  lamented  W.  J.  Simmons,  D.D.,  LL.D., 
and  the  able  physician,  J.  J.  Durham,  A.M.,  M.D. 

This  catalogue  takes  in  but  a  small  number  of  the 
black  celebrities  of  South  Carolina,  but  it  suffices  to  con- 
trovert his  own  position,  whether  set  forth  ignorantly  or 
intentionally.  And,  if  we  will  step  ontside  of  the  little 
State  above  mentioned,  and  glance  over  a  few  pages  rep- 
resenting the  present  and  the  past,  what  an  array  of 
Negro  talent  confronts  us !  Will  any  one  dare  to  say  that 
Toussaint  L'Overture,  in  point  of  actual  generalship, 
was  not  the  peer  of  Bonaparte,  Wellington  or  Washing- 
ton, and  with  the  same  resources  to  draw  from  would 
not  have  been  more  famous  than  any  one  of  them  ? 

Shall  we  pause  to  recount  the  mathematical  prodigies 
of  Benjamin  Banneker,  who  brought  President  Jefferson 
to  his  feet,  or  Phillis  Wheatley,  whose  poetic  genius  won 
the  admiration  of  the  cultured  men  and  women  of  Amer- 
ica and  Europe  ?  May  we  not  well  lift  our  hats  at  the 
name-shrine  of  Dr.  Garnett,  Samuel  Ward,  Dr.  McCune 
Smith,  the  elder  Downing,  Dr.  Bias,  Lewis  Woodson, 
Rev.  Andrew  Marshall,  who  lived  to  the  age  of  a  hun- 
dred and  four  years,  Major  Martin  R.  Delaney,  Captain 
Small,  to  say  nothing  of  Douglass,  Wears  and  a  long  list 
of  living  lights,  whose  splendor-blaze  eclipses  the  flicker 


VIII  INTRODUCTORY. 

ing  lights  of  our  race  beraters  and  would-be  contemners  ? 
But  still  they  come;  slowly,  yet  surely,  the  years  are 
giving  us  a  retinue  of  lights,  whose  effulgence  enters 
into  our  homes  and  is  bidding  our  ignorance,  vice  and 
immorality  disappear.  This  is  a  glorious  age  in  some 
respects,  in  which  the  Negro  is  living,  notwithstanding 
the  reign  of  barbarism  that  has  been  inaugurated  by 
white  mobs,  lynchers  and  incarnate  fiends,  who  are 
putting  to  death  from  a  thousand  to  fifteen  hundred  of 
us  without  judge  or  jury,  here  in  the  midst  of  schools 
and  churches,  every  year.  But  the  God  of  the  Negro 
still  lives  and  holds  the  store  of  his  vengeance,  and  will 
mete  out  retribution  sooner  or  later  if  he  will  only  be 
true  to  himself  and  stand  guiltless  before  the  bar  of  an 
enlightened  conscience.  The  time  is  ripe  for  the  Negro 
to  fight  his  own  battles,  seek  his  own  fame,  achieve  his 
own  greatness  and  immortalize  his  own  name.  Let  the 
young  men,  who  may  read  these  pages,  remember  that 
their  fathers  are  growing  old,  and  the  mothers  of  the 
young  ladies  are  doing  the  same,  and  prepare  to  supply 
their  places  and  radiate  a  moral  luster  that  will  redound 
to  the  good  of  our  race. 

Greatness  has  no  color;  learning  is  neither  white  nor 
black.  There  is  no  such  thing  as  colored  intelligence, 
white  intelligence  or  black  intelligence.  There  is  no 
such  being  as  a  white  God;  God  is  neither  white  nor 
black.  There  is  no  such  place  as  a  white  heaven,  where 
every  angel,  cherub  and  seraph  is  white.  If  there  were, 
it  would  be  a  dull,  monotonous  place.  Heaven,  with  its 
population,  is  as  variegated  in  its  color  as  the  flowers  of 
the  forest,  or  as  the  stars  in  the  sky. 

The  one  great  want  of  the  Negro  race  is  men  learned 
in  all  the  sciences,  philosophies  and  professions  of  civili- 
zation and  an  unadulterated  C'hristianity.  We  need  great 
poets  to  write  hymns  in  harmony  with  our  color,  and  not 


RESIDENCE  OP   ALFRED   NASH. 


INTKODUCTOKY.  IX 

cherish  the  idea  that  God  must  pull  off  our  black  skin 
before  we  can  pass  through  the  pearly  gates  into  the 
New  Jerusalem. 

Rev.  E.  R.  Carter,  the  author  of  the  book  to 
which  this  is  an  introduction,  is  grandly  contributing  his 
part  in  the  promotion  and  general  advancement  of  our 
race.  As  a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  he  has  few  equals; 
as  a  temperance  lecturer,  he  has  no  superior;  as  a  trav- 
eler and  explorer,  he  has  been  to  the  summit  of  Calvary, 
where  the  Son  of  God  expiated  for  the  sin  of  the  world. 
He  has  inspected  the  Egyptian  pyramid  with  his  own  keen 
and  observant  eye,  as  well  as  rolled  in  the  salif erous  waters 
of  the  Dead  Sea.  He  has  given  the  public  a  book  of  near 
three  hundred  pages  entitled  Our  Pulpit  Illustrated,  in  which 
can  be  found  the  profile,  not  only  of  a  large  number  of  emi- 
nent colored  divines  and  gentlemen  of  his  own  colored 
denomination,  but  of  Methodists,  Presbyterians  and  others 
of  worth  and  merit.  No  young  minister  in  the  State  of 
Georgia  is  more  industrious,  more  venturesome,  more 
popular,  more  forethoughted  and  more  studious  than  he. 
While  largely  self-made,  he  will,  in  a  few  years,  if  he 
continues  in  his  noble  work,  wear  every  title  of  distinc- 
tion which  the  college  can  confer,  and  go  down  to  his 
grave  beloved,  honored  and  wept  for.  I  bespeak  for 
this  inimitable  production  a  wide  sale,  thorough  and  prof- 
itable reading,  not  only  by  the  members  of  our  race  on 
this  side  of  the  broad  Atlantic,  but  on  the  fertile  plains 
and  golden  sands  of  the  sunlit  landscape  of  Africa,  where 
in  the  fullness  of  time,  the  sons  and  daughters  of  our  race 
will  achieve  wonders  in  every  department  of  civilization 
and  Christianity  that  will  be  spoken  of  from  pole  to  pole. 
Africa,  the  future  home  of  her  goaded  and  oppressed 
children,  where  they  shall  stand  out  in  the  grandeur  of 
their  individuality,  and  men  like  Brother  Carter  will  have 
their  names  woven  in  prose  and  song. 


fHE  BLACK  SIDE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  BLACK  SIDE  OF  ATLANTA. 

In  beginning  the  history  of  the  Black  Side,  or  the 
Afro-American,  in  this  the  beautiful,  enterprising  city  of 
Atlanta,  because  of  the  unfriendly  relations  existing  be- 
tween most  of  the  whites  and  blacks,  and  because  of  the 
continual  effort  to  debar  and  prevent  the  Brother  in  Black 
from  entering  into  any  lucrative  business,  I  am  inclined 
to  use  the  words  of  the  Apostle  Paul:  "For  here  we 
have  no  continued  city,  but  seek  one  to  come." 

This  condition  of  affairs  causes  a  feeling  of  unrest  and 
everlasting  perturbation,  which  unsettles  all  permanent 
thought  and  action,  and  we  wonder  what  will  be  the  re- 
sult or  outcome  of  such  a  state  of  affairs? 

Notwithstanding  the  effort  to  close  every  avenue  which 
leads  to  trade-learning  against  the  negro,  the  Black  Side 
of  this  city  has  surmounted  obstacles,  leaped  over  im- 
pediments, gone  ahead,  purchased  the  soil,  erected  houses 
of  business  and  reared  dwellings,  which  show  architec- 
tural skill  and  taste,  and,  as  Mr.  Crumbly  says,  if  given 
a  white  man's  chance  and  let  alone,  will  accomplish  what 
any  other  race  has  accomplished  or  can  accomplish.  By 
the  above  assertions  we  would  not  have  our  readers  be- 
lieve that  we  think  ourselves  utterly  friendless  in  our 
sojourn  here,  for  there  are  among  us  white  brothers  who 
will  do  us  any  favor  or  show  us  unlimited  courtesy;  yet 
Southern  custom  and  public  sentiment  clasp  these  in  fet- 
ters so  binding  that  they  are  hindered  from  carrying  to 


12  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

any  great  extent  these  higher  feelings,  however  hard 
they  may  strive  to  do  so.  In  giving  the  history  of  the 
Black  Side  in  this  city,  which  will  include  also  some 
prominent  features  of  the  Black  Side  out  of  the  city,  I 
am  obliged  to  go  out  into  this  field  as  did  Ruth  into  the 
field  of  Boaz,  with  the  little  handful  which  I  have  gleaned 
from  the  acts  and  doings  of  that  small  number  of  the 
colored  people,  which  helped  to  form  this  now  great  city 
in  its  infancy.  It  has  been  said  that  diligence  and  ac- 
curacy are  the  only  merits  which  a  historic  writer  may 
ascribe  to  himself.  I  have  spared  neither  care  or  pains 
to  secure  the  facts  as  to  the  Black  Side  of  this  city. 

I  would  not  say  that  the  work  is  without  error;  to  as- 
sert such  would  be  the  grossest  egotism.  In  presenting 
to  the  public  the  facts  as  to  the  history  of  the  negroes 
here,  I  give  in  connection  herewith  a  brief  sketch  of  the 
oldest  living  Afro- American  in  this  city,  viz:  Andrew 
Montgomery.  Allow  me  to  add  that  he  it  is  who  fur- 
nishes the  information  concerning  the  history  of  the  early 
days  of  Atlanta. 

Like  many  others  of  his  race,  he  lived  during  the 
dark  days  of  slavery,  and  bore  the  cruel  treatment  char- 
acteristic of  those  days,  and  having  lived  his  four  score 
years  and  more,  he  is  still  here  to  relate  to  the  younger 
generation  the  history  of  the  early  days  of  Atlanta. 

Andrew  Montgomery  was  born  at  Buck  Creek,  Jack- 
son county,  Georgia,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1808.  He 
passed  through  all  the  vicissitudes  of  slavery  life,  had 
several  owners,  from  whom  he  received  both  kind  and 
cruel  treatment.  When  quite  young  he  became  converted, 
and  ever  afterward  lived  a  devout  Christian. 

At  quite  an  early  age  he  came  to  this  city,  then  called 
Terminus.  At  this  time  there  were  not  more  than  fifty 
colored  persons  here,  and  of  that  number  only  two  were 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  13 

not  slaves.  These  were  Mary  Combs  and  Ransom 
Montgomery. 

Mary  Combs  was  the  first  colored  person  to  own 
property  in  this  city.  Her  property  occupied  the  place 
where  Wheat  street  meets  Peachtree  street.  This  prop- 
erty she  sold,  and  with  the  proceeds  purchased  her  hus- 
band. 

Ransom  Montgomery,  who  was  a  brother  to  Andrew 
Montgomery,  was  the  second  person  of  color  who  pos- 
sessed a  share  in  Atlanta's  soil.  He  obtained  his  free- 
dom by  a  noble  act  of  his  life.  This  act  was  the  saving 
of  the  lives  of  more  than  one  hundred  passengers  during 
the  burning  of  the  bridge  over  the  Chattahoochee  river 
while  a  passenger  train  was  crossing  it.  By  this  act  the 
State  of  Georgia  unloosed  the  chains  of  slavery  which 
bound  Ransom,  made  him  a  free  man,  and  gave  him  all 
that  land  lying  near  and  around  the  Macon  round-house 
and  along  where  the  Milner  spring  used  to  be. 

There  were  others  here  who  owned  property.  Bob 
Webster,  better  known  as  Bob  Yancy,  Dougherty  Hutch- 
ins  and  Jacob  Nelson.  Several  others,  of  whom  we 
shall  speak  farther  on,  and  who  became  prominent  in  the 
legislature  of  Georgia,  came  after  the  above  named  per- 
sons in  having  a  share  of  Terminus.  Every  age  has  its 
great  men,  and  these,  of  whom  we  have  just  spoken, 
were  considered  as  such,  esteemed  and  held  in  high  re- 
spect by  their  own  race,  as  well  as  by  members  of  the 
white  race.  Although  not  able  in  those  early  d;iys  to 
exhibit  patriotism  for  their  brothers  in  black,  when  the 
days  of  slavery  were  no  more  these  rendered  great  ser- 
vice to  their  people  and  became  their  leaders. 


14  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 


CHAPTER  II. 

MAKTHASV1LLE. 

The  population  of  Terminus  increased  gradually  until 
1843,  when  it  was  able  to  boast  of  about  ten  white  fami- 
lies. Now  it  was  that  the  inhabitants  became  ambitious 
for  a  corporate  name  and  charter.  Application  was 
made  to  the  legislature  for  a  charter  which  was  granted, 
and  the  village  was  christened  under  the  name  of  Mar- 
thasville,  in  honor  of  the  daughter  of  ex-Governor  Wilson 
Lumpkin,  who  at  that  time  held  the  reins  of  State  power 
in  his  hands. 

At  this  time  the  Hamitic  population  of  Marthasville 
was  quite  small,  for  not  all  of  the  ten  white  families  were 
able  to  hold  slaves,  and  very  minute  was  the  number  of 
free  men  among  the  sons  of  Ham.  Nothing  noteworthy 
concerning  them  transpired  to  mark  their  existence  in 
the  village  of  Marthasville  till  the  establishing  of  the  first 
colored  church.  That  came  about  in  this  way.  During 
the  days  of  Terminus  the  whites  and  blacks  worshipped 
in  the  same  house,  the  whites  using  it  on  mornings  and 
allowing  the  negroes  to  use  it  in  the  afternoons,  requiring 
them  to  use  portions  of  scriptures  as  refer  to  passages 
like,  servants  obey  your  masters,  etc.  Or,  to  use 
Father  Montgomery's  words,  "  The  negroes  had  to 
consider  themselves  the  shoe  soles  and  the  whites  the 
upper  leather."  But  finally,  there  chanced  to  pass  by 
one  who  proclaimed  the  Word  as  found  in  Christ  Jesus, 
regardless  of  one's  feelings.  This  enraged  the  whites, 
who  refused  the  negroes  privilege  to  hold  services  in 
their  church  house  again.  So  Father  Montgomery,  of 
whom  we  have  already  spoken,  called  together  a  num- 
ber of  the  brethren  to  devise  means  by  which  to  estab- 
lish a  place  of  worship.  This  number  consisted  of  Nelus 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  15 

Murphy,  Henry  Strickland,  Vine  Ware,  Sam  Fisher  and 
Father  Montgomery  himself.  These  constituted  the 
Board  of  Trustees  whose  business  it  was  to  obtain 
ground  on  which  to  erect  a  house  of  worship.  The 
smallest  sum  for  which  land  could  then  be  purchased  was 
seventy  dollars  and  on  to  one  hundred.  4 

Father  Montgomery  called  upon  Colonel  L.  P.  Grant 
who  gave  him  a  portion  of  land.  Major  Terry  selected 
a  suitable  site,  on  what  is  now  Jenkins  Street,  for  the 
building  which  was  soon  erected  thereupon.  This  house 
stood  till  destroyed  by  the  Federals. 

The  land  was  then  taken  from  the  Negroes  but  by  order 
of  Colonel  Grant  was  returned  to  them,  He  then  gave 
deeds  for  the  same,  and  finally  this  site  was  sold  and  a 
more  desirable  one  on  Wheat  Street  was  purchased, 
and  upon  it  was  erected  another  house  of  worship .  To 
this  was  given  the  name,  Old  Bethel,  and  from  it  the 
present  church  derived  its  name,  Bethel  Church.  Thus 
was  established  the  first  colored  church  in  Marthasville, 
and  it  was  Methodist. 

The  chief  events  of  this  period  were  namely,  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  Luminary,  the  first  newspaper,  and  the 
completion  of  the  entire  line  of  the  Georgia  Railroad,  the 
first  train  running  through  from  Augusta  to  Marthasville 
September  15,  1845,  arriving  about  dark. 

In  1846  Marthasville  could  boast  of  another  railroad. 
This  was  the  Macon  and  Western  Railroad,  which  had 
just  been  completed. 

After  the  entering  of  the  railroad  things  in  Marthas- 
ville took  a  turn.  The  villagers  were  buoyed  up  by 
these  events,  and  feeling  themselves  "  too  great "  for  a 
village  incorporation,  made  an  effort  to  obtain  a  charter 
for  a  city.  The  first  attempt  failed,  but  the  second  was 
a  success. 

Thus  after  a  life  of  five  years  the  village  gave  up  the 
title  of  Marthasville  and  received  instead  that  of  Atlanta. 


16.  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

CHAPTER  III. 

ATLANTA. 

The  name,  Atlanta  was  suggested,  through  a  letter  to 
Mr.  Richard  Peters,  by  Mr.  Edgar  Thompson,  as  a  more 
suitable  one  for  the  terminus  of  the  Western  and  Atlantic 
Railroad.  Thus,  in  1847  the  Legislature  of  Georgia 
legalized  the  name  and  change,  so  that,  as  Marthasville, 
Atlanta  existed. 

Now  in  the  year  1848,  Atlanta  numbered  about  five 
hundred  souls.  This  population  consisted  chiefly  of  work- 
ing men  employed  by  the  various  railroads.  There 
were  continual  new  developments  in  the  city  of  Atlanta, 
but  as  nothing  of  importance  concerning  the  Black  Side 
occurred,  we  pass  on  to  Atlanta  during  the  war. 

This  period  cannot  be  truly  described,  except  by  him 
who  had  the  opportunity  to  witness  the  scenes  thereof 
himself. 

The  writer  was  a  small  slave  who  then  lived  at 
Athens,  Ga.,  but  r<>ot  so  far  away  that  he  could  not  hear  the 
continual  report  of  cannon  and  gun,  the  sounds  of  which, 
echoing  and  reverberating,  traversed  the  distance  from 
this  city,  where  a  mighty  struggle  was  going  on,  to  the 
place  of  his  abode;  and  often  in  the  still  hours  of  night 
could  be  heard  those  terrific  roarings  as  of  muttering 
thunder. 

Under  the  flying  shells  which  sent  down  torrents  of  fire, 
as  in  the  days  of  Sodom,  houses  were  consumed,  and  the 
inmates  were  forced  to  take  refuge  in  holes  or  caves  and 
flee  to  the  woods  for  protection.  Many,  in  fleeing,  were 
seriously  injured,  while  others,  from  the  strokes  of  shells, 
lay  bleeding  and  dying.  This  was  a  sad  picture,  a  pitiable 
scene!  The  loss  on  the  white  side  was  great. 


REV.   JAMES  TATE. 


SAMUEL  FREEMAN. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  17 

Only  a  few  blacks  suffered  loss  of  property,  for  not  as 
yet  were  their  possessions  much  in  real  estate. 

In  fact,  this  struggle  was  more  of  gain  than  loss  to  the 
black  side ;  for  the  shells  of  General  Sherman  were  the 
strokes  of  the  hammer  of  liberty,  unfastening  the  fetters 
of  the  accursed  and  inhuman  institution  of  slavery! 

These  strokes  were  joy  to  the  "  Brother  in  Black." 
Yes,  they  rejoiced  when  they  saw  the  Confederate  flag 
fall  like  Lucifer  and  trail  in  the  dust,  and  in  its  stead  the 
Union  flag  floating  in  the  breeze,  publishing  to  the  nations 
that  the  diabolical  temple  of  traffic  in  human  blood  had 
been  overthrown  and  buried  in  everlasting  oblivion,  and 
the  temple  of  the  Goddess  of  Liberty  had  arisen. 

Yes,  they  cried  for  joy ; 
It  from  the  slave's  eye  did  beam ; 
His  heart  o'erflowed  with  ecstasy 
That  was  not  all  a  dream ! 
The  cries  of  the  long  enslaved, 
"We  are  free,  we  are  free ! 


CHAPTER  IV. 

ATLANTA  AFTER  THE  WAR. 

In  1867,,  by  order  of  General  Pope,  the  Constitutional 
Convention  met  in  the  city  of  Atlanta  for  the  purpose 
of  revising  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Georgia, 
and  reconstructing  the  political  affairs  concerning  the 
government  generally.  And  be  it  said  to  the  honor  of 
the  Black  Side,  that  the  majority  who  composed  that 
Convention  were  some  of  the  noblest  and  most  patriotic  of 
th'.i  sons  of  Ham.  This  meeting  brought  about  fiery, 
bitter  speeches  from  both  sides,  which  made  this  period 
almost  as  dangerous  as  any  preceding  it.  This  is  a  chap- 
ter in  the  history  of  the  metropolis  of  the  South  equally 


18  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

as  difficult  to  narrate,  especially  when  referring  to  the 
feeling  which  existed  between  the  two  races. 

It  was,  however,  the  year  of  jubilee  for  the  Black 
Side.  Nearly  all  public  affairs  were  under  their  control, 
or  that  of  the  party  to  which  they  belonged.  In  the 
same  year  of  the  reconstruction,  Rufus  B.  Bullock  was 
elected  Governor  of  Georgia.  Hence,  the  Governor, 
Speaker  of  the  House  and  Representatives  were  all  sup- 
porters of  the  principles  and  party  of  the  Black  Side. 

All  over  the  State,  as  well  as  at  Atlanta,  began  the 
organization  of  leagues,  which  were  for  the  purpose  of 
inspiring  and  encouraging  the  Republican  party  in  this 
State. 

This  league  trumpet  could  have  been  heard  from  the 
mountains  to  the  seaboard.  The  reinforcement  of  their 
energies  and  power  was  the  backbone  and  the  life-giving 
power  of  the  Republican  party.  In  Atlanta  could  be  seen 
the  sable  sons  of  Ham,  who  a  few  days  previous,  handled 
a  plow,  saw,  shovel  or  pick,  crowding  into  the  Legisla- 
ture and  Senate  Hall,  for  the  purpose  of  making  laws 
for  the  government  of  their  former  owners.  In  nearly 
every  seat  in  the  old  capitol  hall  were  seated  the  ebony- 
faced  men,  once  slaves,  now  free  men  and  statesmen. 
There  sat  H.  M.  Turner,  now  D.D.,  LL.D.,  U.  L. 
Houston,  Madison  Davis,  Romulus  Moore,  Alfred  Rich- 
ardson, the  martyr  of  the  Republican  party,  James  Simm, 
Jacob  Fuller,  Campbell  and  Bradley,  and  a  number  of 
others  whom  we  cannot  mention  at  this  point.  There 
sat  they  beneath  the  capitol  dome,  while  the  stars  and 
stripes  played  peacefully  in  the  breeze,  assuring  them  of 
protection  and  security. 

Those  were  times  worthy  of  appreciation  and  recog- 
nition. 

Every  child  should  be  told  of  the  hands  which  aided 
in  the  reconstruction  of  the  government  of  this  grand 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  19 

old  Empire  State  of  the  South,  should  be  told  of  the 
honors  conferred  upon  their  fathers,  and  the  high  positions 
to  which  they  were  chosen,  notwithstanding  their  insuffi- 
ciency in  many  instances.  .  It  is  the  history  of  the  race, 
and  is  therefore  worthy  of  repetition.  Those  were  trying 
times  ;  they  called  forth  all  that  there  was  in  our  fathers. 
Though  the  emblem  of  peace  waved  over  them,  yet  they 
walked  the  streets  in  jeopardy.  However,  they  were 
not  molested  to  any  injurious  extent.  This  was  pre- 
vented through  the  wise  counsel  of  the  better  class  of 
the  brothers  in  white  ;  and  from  the  fear  of  worse  happen- 
ings than  those  through  which  the  country  had  but  re- 
cently passed.  What  was  true  concerning  the  state  of 
affairs  in  Atlanta,  was  equally  true  of  the  State  of 
Georgia.  While  the  brothers  in  black  were  rejoicing  in 
their  sleeves  over  their  freedom,  they  were  at  the  same 
time  trembling  in  their  boots,  from  fear  of  losing  their 
life,  so  great  was  the  hostility  between  the  two  races. 
Jehovah  be  praised!  Most  of  this  hostility  is  over.  The 
white  man  is  glad  that  the  black  man  is  free  and  the 
black  man  is  glad  that  the  white  man  is  free.  The  strug- 
gle is  now  in  another  line.  Education,  wealth,  suprem- 
acy are  what  the  races  are  now  fighting  to  gain. 

The  first  two  powers  the  Black  Side  is  bound  to  have  ; 
yes,  determined  to  possess.  The  third  never  enters  his 
brains  ;  he  cares  nothing  for  it.  All  he  asks  is  a  citizen's 
privilege,  the  rights  of  a  tax-payer  and  free  access  to 
the  public  positions  of  the  city,  which  he  is  compelled  to 
support,  and  whose  laws  he  so  eagerly  strives  to  protect. 
I  doubt  whether  there  are  people  living  by  the  side  of 
another  people  who  pay  as  much  taxes  as  the  Negro  in 
this  city  for  the  support  of  its  government,  and  who 
share  so  little  recognition  in  the  government  of  the  city. 


20  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE  PROGRESS  OF  THE  BLACK  SIDE  OF  TO-DAY. 

After  the  Southern  Cause  had  been  lost  and  the  coun- 
try became  quiet,  the  Negro  then  realized  that  he  must 
act  for  himself.  Standing  alone,  possessing  nothing,  he 
closed  his  eyes  to  the  past  to  open  them  to  the  dawn  of 
a  new  day. 

The  many  hardships  and  privations  which  he  had  so 
long  and  patiently  borne,  energized  him  to  strive  to  make 
a  brighter  future  for  himself  and  children  ;  accordingly  ? 
James  Tate,  who  is  now  one  of  the  most  successful  whole- 
sale and  retail  merchants  of  the  Black  Side,  or  the  aver- 
age business  man  of  the  White  Side,  in  the  year  1866  com- 
menced a  grocery  business  on  Walton  street,  near  the  First 
Baptist  Church  (white).  His  total  stock  at  that  time 
amounted  to  $6.00  (six  dollars).  He  now  carries  a  stock 
of  more  than  $6,000  (six  thousand  dollars),  in  a  neat, 
two-story  brick  building  on  Decatur  street,  where  he  has 
resided  since  1867.  This  man  was  the  first  to  open  and 
teach  a  school  in  this  city.  He  might  rightly  be  called 
the  father  of  the  beginning  of  business  and  enterprise,  as 
well  as  of  the  intellectual  source.  The  first  of  the  Black 
Side  of  this  now  thriving  city  to  open  a  store,  the 
first  to  open  a  school,  the  first  to  teach  a  school!  From 
him  no  doubt  came  the  inspiration  for  the  many  who 
have  come  after  him.  Business  houses  among  the  Black 
Side  are  now  established  all  over  this  wonderful  vestibule 
of  the  South  ;  businesses  of  every  class  and  kind,  from 
the  junk  to  the  dry-goods  store. 

The  next  event  of  importance  in  the  history  of  the 
Black  Side  of  Atlanta  was  the  establishment  of  the 
Atlanta  University.  "This  institution  was  chartered  in 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  21 

1867,  soon  after  the  shackles  of  slavery  had  been  re- 
moved, and  civil  and  religious  liberty  had  been  declared 
the  natural  heritage  of  the  colored  race  by  the  .great 
benefactor  and  patriot  of  modern  times,  Abraham 
Lincoln."  Though  chartered  in  1867,  the  University 
was  not  properly  opened  until  1869.  This  inestimable 
source  of  knowledge  and  instruction  to  the  Black  Side 
was  organized  and  established  under  the  auspices  of  the 
broad-hearted,  Godly-*ninded  Professor  Edmund  Asa 
Ware,  who,  through  conflicting  opinions  of  the  North 
and  South,  came  to  this  city  to  open  a  channel  of  learn- 
ing for  the  children  of  Ham.  Upon  one  of  the  many 
hills  which  surround  the  city  of  Atlanta,  where  battles 
were  fought  to  keep  the  negro  in  bondage  and  ignorance, 
sets  this  grand  institution,  a  lasting  monument  to  the  good 
man  who  raised  it  ;  sending  forth  yearly,  men  and  women, 
boys  and  girls,  to  wage  battles  against  ignorance,  crime 
and  vice. 

In  the  year  1868,  under  the  leadership  of  Rev.  Frank 
Quarles,  the  First  Colored  Baptist  Church  was  organ- 
ized. This  body  consisted  of  about  twenty-five  mem- 
bers, among  whom  were  John  Carter,  Levi  Allen,  Jake 
Whittaker,  James  Tate,  Orange  Davis,  Betsy  Rucker,' 
Mary  Whitehead  and  others.  They  first  held  religious 
services  in  a  car-box,  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the 
city,  on  Walton  street.  Here  they  worshipped  for  a 
considerable  time.  The  next  place  of  worship  was 
somewhere  on  Luckie  street,  where  they  also  held  meet- 
ings quite  a  while.  Finally  a  lot  on  corner  of  Haynes 
and  Markham  streets  was  purchased,  and  a  small 
wooden  building  was  put  up.  The  membership  had  by 
this  time  increased  considerably,  and  wishing  a  still  more 
desirable  site,  the  present  lot  on  corner  of  Mitchell  and 
Haynes  streets  was,  through  the  recommendation  of 
John  Carter,  purchased,  and  upon  this  a  more  commo- 


22  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

dious  structure  of  brick  was  erected.  As  the  wheel  of 
time  moves  onward  and  developments  in  progress  are 
made,  a  new  day  dawns.  While  in  the  past  there  were 
none  or  only  a  few  places  of  mercantile  or  intellectual 
resources,  now  Atlanta  for  the  Black  Side  abounds  in 
such  innumerable  places  of  business  and  of  intellectual 
and  industrial  training,  occupying  some  of  the  best 
streets  and  dotting  the  hills  and  borders  of  this  fair  city. 

All  around  her  borders  tower,  like  the  mighty  hosts 
of  Zion,  some  of  the  finest  colleges,  universities  and 
seminaries  for  the  Black  Side,  in  all  this  Southland,  re- 
gardless of  class  or  kind!  There  are  attached  depart- 
ments where  youths  of  any  age  who  have  the  power  of 
speech  can,  by  simple  operations,  be  taught  to  read, 
spell  and  cipher,  and  given  a  practical  insight  into 
geometry  without  having  a  book  placed  in  their  hands. 
This  form  of  instruction  comes  through  the  Kindergarten 
system,  which  is  among  the  wonderful  inventions  of  the 
age.  In  fact,  Atlanta,  for  the  Black  Side,  is  the  classic 
city. 

On  some  of  the  most  beautiful  avenues  and  streets  of 
this  basin  city  are  grand  structures  erected  as  altars  to 
Jehovah,  from  which  minarets,  domes  and  steeples  lift 
their  heads  to  the  azure  sky.  Along  these  same  streets 
are  many  structures  of  brick,  where  various  kinds  of 
businesses  are  carried  on. 

Some  of  these  structures  are:  Odd  Fellows  Hall,  point- 
ing upward  four  stories  in  height,  on  Piedmont  avenue; 
Good  Samaritan  building,  ascending  four  stories,  on  Ivy 
street;  the  Schell  Opera  House  and  Hall,  of  three  sto- 
ries in  height,  on  West  Mitchell  street.  On  Marietta 
street,  the  erections  of  Rivers,  McHenry  and  McKinley 
stand  with  neat  brick  fronts.  The  storehouses  of  Tate 
and  Murphy  occupy  conspicuous  places  on  Decatur 
street,  while  on  West  Mitchell  street,  near  their  beauti- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  23 

ful  residences,  are  to  be  seen  the  two-story  structures  of 
N.  Holmes  and  W.  H.  Landrum,  used  as  storehouses; 
and,  in  proximity  to  the  same,  on  West  Hunter  street,  is 
the  handsome  storehouse,  with  residence  above,  of  M. 
V.  James.  The  neat  storehouse  and  dwelling  of  P. 
Escridge,  on  Wheat  street,  deserves  special  mention,  for 
the  owner  and  proprietor  is  a  man  of  acute  business 
talent.  Going  in  another  direction,  we  arrive  at  the 
storehouse  and  dwelling  of  I.  P.  Moyer,  on  Peters  street. 
Here  he  carries  on  a  flourishing  business.  Also  on 
same  street  are  the  storehouses  and  dwellings  of  King 
and  R.  N.  Davis.  '  Such  are  some  of  the  brick  buildings 
owned  by  the  Black  Side  of  Atlanta. 

Returning  to  Wheat  street,  we  come  to  the  large 
fancy  grocery  of  F.  H.  Crumbly,  where  he  does  business 
on  an  extensive  scale.  Above  this  place  of  business  are 
his  handsomely  arranged  apartments.  On  same  street 
are  the  business  houses  of  Pace,  and  C.  C.  Cater;  the 
storehouse  and  residence  of  T.  M.  Gooseby  &  Son; 
the  bookstore  of  Hagler  &  Co.  Next  in  line  is  the 
pharmacy  of  Drs.  Slater,  Butler  &  Co.  Then,  on 
Fraser  and  Martin  streets  are  the  storehouses,  near 
which  are  the  dwellings  also,  of  Watts,  Graham, 
Emery,  and  Epps  &  Jones.  There  are  other  promi- 
inent  grocers  in  the  city  whose  names  and  places 
of  business  we  should  be  glad  to  mention  would  the 
scope  of  this  paper  permit. 

Briefly  we  mention  some  other  enterprises  carried  on 
by  the  Black  Side  of  our  business-like  city  of  Atlanta. 
Among  the  most  prominent  is  that  of  J .  McKinley, 
which  consists  in  rock-quarrying  and  dealing  in  sand  and 
brick.  In  this  enterprise  he  employs  at  times  more  than 
one  hundred  and  fifty  laborers,  white  and  colored.  An- 
other, the  Cooperative  South  View  Cemetery  Co.  The 
Georgia  Real  Estate  Loan  and  Trust  Co.,  of  which  the 


24  ,  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Hon.  H.  A.  Rucker  is  President.  Atlanta  Loan  and 
Trust  Co.,  of  which  W.  C.  Redding  is  President. 

These  enterprises  show  the  marked  ability  of  the 
Black  Side  in  controlling  and  managing  the  most  intri- 
cate forms  of  business,  and  is  a  firm  denial  of  the  asser- 
tion that  the  negro  is  non-progressive.  It  also  demon- 
strates to  the  world  what  the  negro  will  do  if  given  a 
chance  and  let  alone. 

Just  here  may  also  be  mentioned  the  professional  pur- 
suits. As  lawyers  we  have  the  erudite  Robert  Davis 
and  the  cunning,  shrewd  M.  E.  Loftin.  In  dentistry  the 
famous  pedestrian,  Robert  Badger,  and  the  sons  of  the 
late,  much  lamented  Roderick  Badger.  Let  us  add  that 
there  are  others  of  our  sons  pursuing  this  profession, 
who  will  soon  begin  practice  in  this  and  other  cities. 

As  we  take  a  retrospective  view  of  the  Negro,  then 
see  him  as  he  now  is,  engaged  in  the  many  enterprises  ? 
pursuits,  professions  and  occupations,  we  can  but  exclaim 
like  the  poet  : 

"  O,  what  a  glorious  hope  is  ours, 

While  in  this  land  -we  stay; 
We  more  than  taste  immortal  joys, 

And  antedate  that  day." 

But  let  us  proceed.  There  is  the  firm  of  Drs.  Asbury, 
Taylor  &  Co.,  known  as  the  Friendship  Drug-store. 
Then,  that  of  Drs.  Strong  &  Lockhart.  All  of  these 
are  skillful  physicians  and  have  an  extensive  practice 
among  our  peoplft. 

Those  in  the  educational  line,  who  are  capable  of  fill- 
ing chairs  of  languages  and  sciences  at  the  colleges  of 
to-day  are  :  the  scholarly,  linguistic  Professor  Wm.  E- 
Holmes,  of  the  A.  B.  S. ;  Professor  Wm.  H.  Crogman,  who 
is  considered  by  all  whose  pleasure  it  has  been  to  meet 
him,  as  a  deep  thinker,  an  able  instructor  and  eloquent 
speaker;  Professor  St.  George  Richardson,  the  learned 
Principal  of  the  Morris  Brown  College. 


ALLEN'S   TEMPLE. 


GOOD  SAMARITAN   BUILDING. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  25 

In  the  public  schools  we  have  as  principals:  the  re- 
fined, cultured,  gentlemanly  instructor,  W.  B.  Matthews, 
of  the  Houston  street  school;  the  business-like  and  ora- 
torical E.  L.  Chew,  of  the  Gray  street  school;  the  elo- 
quent "  Boy  royal  of  the  times,"  F.  Grant  Snelson,  of  the 
Mitchell  street  school;  and  the  witty,  deep-thinking,  pro- 
gressive, self-made,  Carl  Walter  Hill,  of  the  Martin 
street  school.  As  lady  principal,  there  is  the  inestimable, 
Christian  worker,  well  informed  Mrs.  Allie  D.  Carey,  of 
the  Roach  street  school;  and  of  her  it  is  truly  said  that 
nowhere  is  there  a  more  intelligent,  better  read  or  bet- 
ter informed  person  in  all  the  languages  than  she. 

Having  spoken  of  those  who  work  with  the  mind,  we 
now  mention  those  whose  lot  it  is  to  deal  with  the  body. 
Our  successful  tailors  are:  the  polite,  artistic  G.  M. 
Howell;  the  venerable  Wm.  Finch,  the  successful  Rufus 
Cooper,  A.  W.  Finch,  who  does  a  flourishing  business, 
and  B.  B.  Brightwell,  the  steady.  These  are  scarcely 
more  than  half  of  our  successful  tailors  ;  but  this  number 
serves  to  show  what  the  Negro  is  doing  in  this  line.  We 
also  have  several  artistic  and  fashionable  dressmakers  in 
our  midst,  and  the  gentle,  obliging  Mrs.  Pennemone  as 
milliner  and  hatter.  Verily,  the  sons  and  daughters  of 
Ham  are  applying  themselves  to  the  useful  arts  and  pro- 
fessions of  life. 


THE  GOOD  SAMARITAN  ORDER. 

The  order  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Good  Samari- 
tans and  Daughters  of  Samaria  was  introduced  into  the 
State  by  the  organization  of  Crystal  Fount  Lodge,  No. 
i,  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  on  Friday  night,  July  9,  1875,  by 
Rev.  W.  G.  Strong,  of  Mobile,  Ala.,  under  the  jurisdic- 


26  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

tion  of  the  R.  W.  E.  D.,  Grand  Lodge,  No.  i,  of  Brook- 
lyn, N.  Y.. 

The  following  officers  were  installed  on  that  night  : 

H.  R.  Rakestraw,  W.  P.  C. ;  Sarah  Mangum,  W.  P. 
P.  D.;  Samuel  B.  Bailey,  W.  C. ;  Julia  Dillard,  W.  P.  D.; 
Wm.  Holmes,  W.  V.  C.;  Eliza  Holmes,  D.  of  Ft.;  John 
Davis,  W.  P.;  Amanda  Bradbury,  D.  of  L.;  S.  W. 
Easley,  Jr.,  W.  R.  S.;  Beele  Burkes,  D.  of  R.;  C.  J. 
Dickerson,  W.  F.  S.;  Mary  A.  Snyder  (King),  D.  of  F.; 
Alfred  Peck,  W.  T.;  Betsy  Jackson,  D.  of  T. ;  James 
Dozier,  W.  Con.;  Lucy  Watkins,  D.  C.;  J.  H.  Oliver, 
I.  S.;  Rachael  Oliver,  D.  of  K.;  Peter  McMurray,  A.  S.; 
Jane  Scott,  D.  of  P.. 

The  lodge  was  organized  with  about  seventy-five  per- 
sons, composed  of  the  very  best  people  in  Atlanta, 
among  whom  may  be  noted  Mitchell  Cargil,  Hiram 
Brooks,  Joseph  McCants,  Anderson  Phelps,  Rev.  J.  C. 
Riggin,  Ed.  Hill,  Andrew  Hill,  Sam'l  Jackson,  Jack- 
son Gates,  Allen  Brown,  Thomas  J.  Henry,  Mrs.  J.  P. 
McMurray,  Mrs.  Lizzie  Lewis,  Mrs.  Clora  Garner,  Mrs. 
Mollie  Golden,  Mrs.  Sully  Alexander,  Mrs.  Amanda 
Hill,  Mrs.  Viola  King,  Miss  Mary  Garrett,  Mrs.  Nancy 
Wilson,  Mrs.  Lizzie  Ford  and  others. 

The  list  of  honorary  members  is  also  brilliantly  illus- 
trated by  such  noted  prelates  as  Right  Rev.  W.  J. 
Gaines,  D.D.,  Rev.  S.  H.  Robertson,  D.D.,  Rev.  Rich- 
ard Graham,  and  others  of  like  note. 

Crystal  Fount  Lodge  has  also  furnished  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Georgia  three  Grand  Chiefs,  two  Grand  Pre- 
siding Daughters,  viz. :  J.  M.  Marshall,  S.  W.  Easley,  Jr., 
Peter  McMurray,  Mrs.  Matilda  Simmons,  and  Mrs  J.  P . 
McMurray,  and  other  Grand  Lodge  officers,  as  well  as 
National  Grand  Lodge  officers. 

The  lodge  since  its  organization  has  initiated  into  mem- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  27 

bership  over  three  hundred  persons,  and  has  a  member- 
ship to-day  in  good  standing  of  about  four  hundred. 

The  secret  of  the  marvelous  financial  and  numeri- 
cal success  of  this  lodge  is  due  to  the  fact  that  its  treas- 
ury has  always  been  open  to  all  charitable  objects,  suf- 
fering humanity,  and  the  poor  inebriate.  It  contributed 
to  the  yellow  fever  sufferers  in  Savannah,  Ga.,  in  1876? 
to  the  afflicted  in  Memphis,  Tenn.,  1875,  during  the  great 
cholera  epidemic  that  carried  off  so  many  souls ;  in  this 
and  other  ways  caring  for  the  poor,  sick,  afflicted,  dead, 
the  lodge  has  disbursed  upwards  of  $26,000.  It  has 
a  fine  four-story  brick  building  on  Ivy  street  in  the  heart 
of  the  city,  valued  as  $30,000,  and  several  shares  in  the 
South  View  Cemetery  of  Atlanta,  Ga.  It  was  the  first 
of  the  secret  orders  in  Atlanta  to  purchase  real  estate, 
though  by  several  years  younger  in  the  city  than  any  of 
the  secret  orders.  In  fact  it  has  been  the  pioneer  in  every 
movement  looking  to  the  advancement  of  "the  Black 
Side  of  Atlanta."  In  religion,  morals,  industrial,  intel-* 
lectual  and  financial  progress  Crystal  Fount  Lodge  has 
blazed  the  pathway,  that  others  may  "go  and  do  thou 
likewise." 

The  order  is  a  Christian-temperance  order,  and  its 
members  the  world  over  are  found  in  honorable  stations 
in  life,  from  queens,  princesses,  kings,  noblemen,  lords, 
congressmen,  governors,  bishops,  ministers,  lawyers, 
doctors,  laymen,  professors,  authors,  orators,  nurses, 
cooks,  seamstresses,  laborers,  and  toilers  after  honest  gain, 
for  the  sustenance  of  life.  Such  an  onjjer  as  the  Good 
Samaritans  is  a  power  in  the  land  and  country,  and  is  a 
God-send  and  a  blessing  to  mankind  generally.  Long 
may  it  live  and  prosper. 


28  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

SPELMAN  SEMINARY,  1881-1893. 

It  is  not  my  purpose  to  bring  before  the  public  the  full 
and  interesting  history  of  the  faculty  of  this  grand  and 
God-established  institution,  but  rather  I  wish  to  have  you 
know  of  the  work  which  it  has  done,  which  it  is  doing, 
and  which  it  is  destined  to  do. 

In  April,  1881,  there  came  to  the  city  of  Atlanta  two 
consecrated  Christian  women  from  Boston,  Mass.,  to  en- 
gage in  work  for  the  women  and  girls  of  the  South. 

Little  did  Miss  Sophia  B.  Packard  and  Miss  Harriet  E. 
Giles  know  when  they  entered  Friendship  Baptist  Church 
and  rapped  at  the  door  of  the  study  of  Rev.  Frank 
Quarles,  that  they  had  come  in  answer  to  his  prayers,  and 
even  to  the  prayer  which  he  was  then  offering.  Priscilla 
and  Aquila  had  come. 

After  conversing  with  these  ladies,  and  finding  out 
their  object,  with  a  heart  overflowing  with  joy  and  grati- 
'tude,  Rev.  Quarles  gladly  opened  his  church  door,  and 
on  April  n,  1881,  in  the  basement  of  Friendship  Baptist 
Church,  these  noble-hearted  and  self-sacrificing  women 
laid  the  foundation  of  the  grandest  work  ever  done  for 
the  women  of  the  South. 

The  first  term  of  work  lasted  only  three  months. 
Though  the  Southern  climate  was  very  severe,  and  many 
comforts  were  naturally  denied  these  white  ladies  who 
had  come  to  work  among  the  colored  people,  these  Chris- 
tians felt  it  their  duty  to  spend  their  first  vacations  in  At- 
lanta, that  they  might  learn  more  of  the  people,  and  that 
the  people  might  learn  of  them  and  of  the  object  in  view. 

During  this  summer  they  visited  the  homes,  the  Sun- 
day-schools, gave  Bible  readings,  organized  a  mission 
band  and  an  educational  society. 

The  ensuing  October  the  second  term  of  school  opened 
with  an  increased  number  of  sixty-nine. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  29 

The  exceeding  dark  prospects  had  begun  to  get  bright, 
the  foundation  had  been  laid,  and,  as  the  Lord  said  to 
Zerubbabel,  he  said  to  them:  uYet  now  be  strong  .  .  . 
for  I  am  with  you,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts." 

The  school  had  grown  large  enough  to  demand  the 
service  of  another  teacher,  and  more  room  was  impera- 
tive. 

The  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society  of  the 
North  had  agreed  to  take  charge  of  the  work,  but  it 
questioned  the  wisdom  of  maintaining  a  separate  school 
for  girls.  The  decision  was  reached — the  school  was 
ever  to  be  a  school  for  women  and  girls. 

The  necessity  for  a  boarding  department  was  clearly 
seen,  so  Rev.  Frank  Quarles,  whose  sympathy  was  in 
the  work  from  the  beginning,  after  getting  a  few  dona- 
tions from  the  colored  people,  went  North  to  raise  money 
to  build  a  boarding  department.  The  inclemency  of  a 
New  England  November  was  too  great  a  strain  upon  his 
Southern  constitution,  and  he  sickened  and  died,  thus 
giving  his  life  for  the  education  of  the  women  of  his 
race. 

In  February,  1883,  the  old  barracks,  with  nine  acres 
and  five  frame  buildings,  upon  a  height  in  one  of  the 
loveliest  parts  of  the  city,  was  purchased.  The  school 
was  moved  from  the  basement,  and  the  boarding  depart- 
ment was  immediately  opened. 

The  real  growth  of  the  school  was  more  and  more 
plainly  manifested.  The  "unseen  hand"  was  constantly 
at  work. 

The  third  teacher,  who  came  in  December,  1882,  was 
now  to  open  another  department — a  model  school — where 
girls  could  be  trained  to  be  efficient  teachers  in  the  day 
schools,  to  which  most  were  likely  to  be  called.  The 
industrial  feature  became  prominent.  The  students  were 
taught  sewing,  cooking,  house-cleaning  and  laundering. 


30  THE  BLACK 

This  school,  unlike  the  other  schools  of  the  kind  in  At- 
lanta, was  the  first  to  see  the  value  of  putting  mental, 
moral  and  manual  training  side  by  side,  believing  that  the 
rise  of  a  race  depends  as  much  upon  nicely  kept  homes 
as  it  does  upon  its  ability  to  handle  Csesar  or  to  challenge 
Euclid. 

The  annual  progress  of  this  school  has  been  beyond 
human  conception. '  In  1884  the  name  of  the  school  was 
changed  from  Atlanta  Baptist  Female  Seminary  to  Spel- 
man  Seminary,  in  honor  of  John  D.  Rockefeller's  father- 
in-law.  Mr.  Rockefeller  gave  the  largest  donation  to- 
ward the  purchasing  of  the  property;  he  also  was  the 
largest  donor  toward  the  erection  of  the  first  brick  build- 
ing, which  bears  his  name.  The  chapel,  office,  reading 
room  and  eleven  recitation  rooms  are  in  this  building. 

In  1886,  Union  Hall,  in  which  was  the  old  chapel  and 
recitation  rooms,  was  burned.  At  the  time  of  burning  it 
contained  the  dining  hall,  the  model  school  and  the  music 
rooms.  The  burning  of  this  building  necessitated  the 
immediate  erection  of  the  second  brick  building,  which 
was  named  Packard  Hall,  in  honor  of  the  Senior  Principal, 
Miss  S.  B.  Packard. 

Spelman  Seminary  has  a  Preparatory  Course,  an  Aca- 
demic Course,  a  Collegiate  Course,  an  Industrial  Course, 
a  Nurse  Training  Course,  a  Missionary  Training  Course, 
a  Normal  and  Training  Course. 

THE  PREPARATORY  COURSE  includes  primary,  inter- 
mediate and  grammar  school  studies.  Those  finishing 
this  course  often  teach  in  the  public  schools  of  the  South. 

Those  completing  the  ACADEMIC  COURSE  have  taken 
all  of  the  sciences  commonly  taught  in  any  English  course. 
Some  graduating  from  this  course  have  held  and  are 
holding  high  positions  in  some  of  the  colleges  which  are 
maintained  by  the  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society.  The 
majority  finishing  this  course  are  engaged  in  teaching. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  31 

Others  have  married.  From  these  the  model  home  of  the 
rising  and  future  generations  is  hoped  to  come. 

It  is  desirable  that  those  graduating  from  the  Academic 
Course  will  return  and  complete  the  COLLEGIATE  COURSE, 
which  is  four  years.  This  course,  comprising  the  lan- 
guages and  higher  sciences,  was  added  this  year. 

In  the  INDUSTRIAL  COURSE  the  girls  are  taught  plain 
sewing,  dress-cutting,  cooking,  house-cleaning  and  laun- 
dering. Much  attention  is  given  to  this  course,  owing  to 
the  fact  that  while  all  cannot  be  teachers,  none  are  exempt 
from  properly  performing  the  duties  of  our  every-day 
home  life.  Certificates  are  awarded  those  who  creditably 
complete  this  course. 

Every  woman  more  or  less  is  called  upon  to  care  for 
the  sick.  To  meet  this  demand  a  NURSE  TRAINING 
COURSE  was  added  to  the  Seminary  in  1886.  Nine-tenths 
of  the  daily  deaths  occur  from  the  want  of  proper  nurs- 
ing. In  this  course  the  students  are  taught  physiology 
and  practical  hygiene.  There  is  a  hospital,  the  Evarts 
ward,  on  the  campus,  where  the  nurses  have  the  practice 
in  nursing  under  the  eye  of  a  professor.  There  is  a  sur- 
gical room  connected  with  the  ward,  in  which  cases  are 
sometimes  brought  in  and  operated  upon  in  the  presence 
of  the  nurses. 

It  is  well  for  every  teacher  to  have  some  knowledge  of 
caring  for  the  sick.  What  teacher  has  not  met  with  an 
opportunity,  possibly  to  save  life,  if  she  had  only  known 
some  of  the  most  simple  remedies  which  are  learned  in 
this  course.  A  few  of  the  students  have  chosen  nursing 
as  a  life-work,  and  are  earning  ten  or  more  dollars  a  week, 
working  under  some  of  the  best  doctors,  both  white  and 
colored. 

THE  MISSIONARY  TRAINING  COURSE  was  added  to 
Spelman  Seminary  in  1892.  This  course  prepares  those 
who  have  finished  the  Academic  or  its  equivalent,  to  do 


32  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

missionary  work  in  the  families,  churches,  Sunday-schools, 
in  this  or  foreign  lands.  This  course  takes  in  two  terms 
of  eleven  months  each,  six  months  in  school  and  five 
months  jm  the  field  doing  practical  work  under  the  direc- 
tion of  a  teacher.  The  time  of  two  teachers  is  given  to 
this  work.  Lectures  to  the  class  from  different  profes- 
sional men  are  given  almost  weekly.  The  great  neces- 
sity of  this  work  is  plainly  seen.  It  is  the  longing  desire 
that  all  pastors  will  take  hold  and  encourage  the  work. 
The  Bible  is  the  only  text-book  used.  Expenses  of  this 
course  are  borne  by  the  friends  of  the  North. 

To  give  the  older  women  an  opportunity  of  gaining  an 
education,  an  ELECTIVE  COURSE  has  been  added  specially 
for  them.  One  has  graduated  from  this  course,  and  is 
doing  a  grand  Christian  work  among  the  women  of  her 
race. 

THE  NORMAL  AND  TRAINING  COURSE,  the  last  but 
not  the  least  addition  to  Spelman  Seminary,  prepares 
graduates  for  teachers  after  the  plan  of  the  best  normal 
schools  North.  Miss  Griffin,  from  Potsdam,  N.  Y.,  is 
the  superintendent  of  this  course.  She  is  ably  assisted 
by  six  teachers,  together  with  nine  pupil  teachers.  The 
pupil  teachers  teach  under  the  immediate  eye  of  a  reg- 
ular teacher.  It  is  hoped  that  ere  long  only  teachers  re- 
ceiving this  special  training  will  get  employment.  Those 
who  creditably  take  this  course  are  awarded  certificates. 
This  course  will  soon  occupy  an  immense  four  story 
brick  building  which  is  near  its  completion.  In  this 
building,  aside  from  the  twenty-four  recitation  rooms  for 
the  Normal  and  Training  Department,  there  are  eighteen 
dormitories  and  three  recitation  rooms  for  the  Missionary 
Training  Department,  also  a  Chemical  Laboratory  and 
Science  lecture  room. 

Those  students  wishing  to  become  printers  and  whom 
the  principals  think  prepared,  are  taught  printing,  which 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  33 

will  enable  them  to  get  employment  in  many  of  the 
printing  offices. 

Vocal  music  is  given  twice  a  week  without  extra 
charge.  Instrumental  music,  two  lessons  a  week  and  a 
daily  practice  hour,  is  given  by  paying  extra.  You  have 
your  choice  of  taking  on  either  piano  or  organ. 

Spelman  Seminary  is  founded  upon  the  teachings  of 
the  Bible,  therefore  the  Bible  is  taught  daily  to  every 
scholar.  As  the  result  of  this,  two  students,  Miss  Nora 
A.  Gordon  and  Miss  Clara  A.  Howard,  were  taught  to 
hear  the  gracious  call,  replying:  "Here  am  I,  send 
me."  They  are  now  missionaries  in  Africa. 

The  student  who  does  not  leave  this  school  to  work 
for  Christ  and  the  good  of  all  who  come  under  her  influ- 
ence, has  failed  to  carry  out  her  instruction.  The  motto 
of  Spelman  Seminary,  "  Our  whole  school  for  Christ,  "is 
expected  to  be  verified  in  every  girl  who  has  been  a 
member  of  that  school. 

"  In  1888  a  Board  of  Trustees  was  formed,  and 
Spelman  Seminary  was  incorporated  by  the  State  of 
Georgia," 

The  school  has  a  nice  library  in  which  there  are  many 
valuable  books,  which  have  been  donated  by  different 
friends  of  the  North. 

There  is  a  museum  in  which  some  beautiful  collections 
have  been  gathered — stuffed  birds,  valuable  stones,  and 
many  relics  from  the  East. 

Aside  from  the  regular  courses,  persons  wishing  to 
become  professional  dressmakers,  or  elocutionists,  may 
enter  and  pursue  said  studies  belonging  to  the  profes- 
sion. 

There  are  six  associations  and  societies  belonging  to 
this  institution — Young  Women's  Christian  Association, 
Congo  Mission  Circle,  Students'  Volunteer  Society, 
Social  Purity,  Christian  Endeavor  societies,  and  the  Ly- 


34  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

ceum.  The  teachers  and  students  take  an  active  part  in 
the  promotion  of  each  of  these  organizations. 

The  expenses  of  this  institution  are  within  reach  of 
almost  every  woman  or  girl  who  is  desirous  of  an  edu- 
cation. 

Each  girl  has  the  choice  of  doing  her  own  washing. 
There  is  a  comfortably  arranged  brick  laundry  with  all 
of  the  modern  facilities.  There  is  a  regular  laundress 
in  charge,  with  several  assistants. 

Aside  from  the  donations  given  by  the  colored 
churches,"  Sunday-schools  and  associations  of  Georgia, 
amounting  to  two  per  cent,  of  the  total  donations,  Spel- 
man  Seminary  is  run  by  the  American  Baptist  Home 
Mission  Society,  the  Women's  American  Baptist  Home 
Mission  Society  of  New  England  supporting  a  large 
number  of  the  teachers  by  the  Slater  fund,  and  by  indi- 
viduals, Hon.  John  D.  Rockefeller  being  the  largest  in- 
dividual donor.  Many  of  the  faculty,  now  numbering 
thirty-seven,  whom  the  Lord  has  prospered  in  this 
world's  goods,  have  given  and  are  giving,  their  services. 

Sixty-six  young  ladies  have  satisfactorily  finished  the 
academic  course  and  are  doing  work  in  every  Southern 
State.  Two  are  missionaries  in  Africa;  Miss  Rubie  B. 
Jones  is  a  member  of  the  faculty  of  the  Spelman  Semi- 
nary; Miss  Selena  M.  Sloan  is  preceptress  of  the  State 
Normal  School  of  Florida ;  Miss  Alice  E.  McEwen  is  an 
editress  in  Alabama  ;  Mrs.  Morgan  (Ida  B.  Carswell)  is 
principal  of  a  city  public  school  in  Columbus,  Ga.;  Miss 
Essie  M.  Atkinson  is  teacher  in  the  Gray  St.  School, 
Atlanta.  Many,  whose  location  I  cannot  get,  are  holding 
good  positions. 

There  have  come  into  this  work,  as  have  come  into  all 
others,  discouragements  and  dark  shadows,  but  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  has  always  been  felt.  The  death 
angel  has  visited  the  institution  and  taken  five  of  his 


,     THE  BLACK  SIDE.  35 

consecrated  ones  to  their  reward.  Each  coming  seemed 
to  have  been  sadly  realized,  but  none  was  so  heart- 
breaking as  was  the  calling  home  of  the  beloved  and 
honored  senior  principal,  Miss  Sophia  B.  Packard,  who 
was  one  of  the  first  two  who  planted  the  mustard  seed 
which  has  so  rapidly  grown  into  a  great  spreading  tree. 
This  sad  stroke  came  in  June,  1891.  Do  the  women  of 
Georgia  realize  their  loss,  is  the  question  to  be  an- 
swered. 

Miss  Harriet  E.  Giles,  Miss  Packard's  associate  prin- 
cipal and  coworker  succeeded  Miss  Packard  as  principal 
of  Spelman  Seminary,  with  Miss  Lucy  H.  Upton  as 
associate  principal.  Under  these  two  ladies  nearly  two 
terms  have  been  successfully  taught. 


MRS.  CARRIE  STEELE  LOGAN, 

FOUNDER  OF  THE  COLORED  ORPHANAGE  OF  ATLANTA, 

GEORGIA. 

This  noble,  Christian  woman  is  a  native  of  Georgia, 
and  in  this  State  was  reared.  She  was  a  slave  till, 
through  divine  providence,  that  great  benefactor,  Abra- 
ham Lincoln,  set  her  free.  While  a  slave  she  learned  to 
read  and  write,  the  acquisition  of  which  she  has  always 
found  indispensable  to  her.  For  more  than  twenty  years 
she  has  been  in  public  wrork,  and  her  contact  with  the 
world  has  been  a  complete  education  of  itself.  Being, 
for  a  long  while,  a  stewardess  at  the  depot  in  this  city, 
this  good  woman  had  daily  experiences  of  the  sufferings 
and  wants  of  her  people. 

Daily  she  saw  hungry,  half-clad,  ignorant  children 
wandering  about  the  streets,  being  tossed  hither  and 
thither  by  the  rude  winds  of  adversity ;  waifs  drifting 


36  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

down  the  stream  of  destruction!  Children  barefooted 
and  crying  for  bread,  seeking,  in  vain,  places  to  lay  their 
tired  heads! 

These  sad  sights  touched  the  heart  of  Mrs.  Steele,  and 
moved  to  pity,  she  resolved  to  do  something  for  the  chil- 
dren of  her  race.  By  her  industry  and  economy  she  had 
some  time  previously  purchased  a  valuable  lot  on  Wheat 
street,  and  upon  it  built  a  handsome  cottage.  She  now 
began  to  think  how  she  could  better  the  condition  of  the 
children  of  her  people.  A  divine  inspiration  came  to 
her,  and  she  grasped  it  eagerly;  it  was  that  she  might 
erect  a  place  of  retreat  for  these  little  ones. 

She  began  this  arduous  work  by  writing  a  short  ac- 
count of  her  life,  which  she  placed  before  the  public  for 
sale.  Her  little  book  took  well,  and  she  realized  an  ac- 
ceptable profit  from  it.  This  was  the  first  step  in  the 
great  undertaking  of  her  life. 

She  then  solicited  aid  in  other  ways,  and  to  her  re- 
quests many  kind  hearts  of  both  races  responded,  and 
she  was  soon  able  to  begin  the  erection  of  the  Orphan- 
age, which  now  stands  a  lasting  monument  of  the  great 
work  done  by  this  good  woman. 

This  building  is  three  stories  in  height,  built  of  brick 
with  a  stone  foundation,  and  well  adapted  to  its  usages. 
Within  its  walls  Mrs.  Logan  has  gathered  around  her 
fifty  heretofore  friendless  and  homeless  little  ones,  who, 
at  the  time  of  their  coming,  were  mostly  ignorant  and 
uncouth,  but  now  are  tidy,  trained  and  being  taught  to 
read,  etc. 

These  are  taught,  first  of  all,  to  pray.  The  older  ones 
are  being  taught  domestic  work  in  all  its  parts,  and  fancy 
work.  The  boys  do  farm  work.  All  attend  school, 
which  is  provided  for  them  at  the  Home. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  37 

They  have  Sunday-school  every  Sunday,  and  even  the 
little  ones  of  four  years  can  repeat  chapters  in  the  Bible. 

The  campus  is  spacious  and  most  beautiful. 

The  Orphanage  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  five  thousapd 
dollars,  all  of  which  was  raised  through  the  efforts  of 
Mrs.  Logan. 

She  is  deeply  interested  and  wrapped  up  in  her  work, 
which  she  claims  is  the  greatest  joy  of  her  life. 

Since  this  noble  woman  has  done  so  much  for  human- 
ity, all  should  lend  a  helping  hand  to  push  forward  the 
grand  and  glorious  work. 

Mrs.  Logan  has  done  a  work  which  will  tell  in  years 
to  come.  She  has  placed  the  stepping-stones  for  the  bet- 
terment of  the  race,  by  striving  to  save  the  boys  and  girls. 
They  are  the  ones  to  be  shielded  from  dangers  and 
temptations.  Save,  O,  save  the  children!  God's  choic- 
est blessings  rest  upon  him  who  works  to  this  end. 

Just  after  resigning  her  place  at  the  depot,  she  married 
Mr.  Logan,  of  New  York,  a  Christian  gentleman,  a  man  of 
sterling  worth.  Their  ideas  are  mutual,  both  having  at 
heart  the  elevation  of  the  race ;  both  laboring  to  the  same 
end.  In  Mrs.  Logan  he  possesses  a  treasure  rare;  jn 
him  she  finds  all  which  could  be  desired  in  any  one. 

This  Home  is  non-denominational;  it  is  free  to  all 
homeless,  friendless  children  of  the  city  of  Atlanta.  It 
was  dedicated  June  20,  1892. 

Long  after  the  founder  shall  have  gone  to  her  final 
rest  this  structure  will  still  tower  heavenward,  and  may 
the  good  work  done  within  its  limits  make  her  memory 
imperishable,  her  name  immortal. 


38  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 


REV.  N.  J.  JONES, 

FOUNDEK  OF  THE  COLOKED  MEN'S  PKOTECTIVE 
ASSOCIATION— ABLE  BAPTIST  MINISTER 

Rev.  N.J.Jones  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born 
in  Nashville,  Nash  county,  North  Carolina,  in  the  year 
1844,  an<3  when  six  years  of  age  was  brought  to  Pike 
county,  Georgia,  at  which  time  he  was  the  property  of  a 
Mr.  Milton  Riggins.  In  1862,  when  but  eighteen  years 
old,  he  was,  for  his  thrift,  aptness  and  integrity,  appointed 
driver  and  foreman  over  a  large  and  prosperous  planta- 
tion, which  was  managed  chiefly  through  his  directions. 

He  also  worked  at  the  blacksmith  trade,  and  was  con- 
sidered a  skilled  and  first-class  workman  in  that  line. 
When  emancipation  was  declared,  he  was  still  the  prop- 
erty of  the  same  man,  and  when  all  of  the  slaves  had 
gone,  he  remained  with  his  former  owner,  Mr.  Riggins. 
Mr.  Jones  was  a  great  favorite  with  him,  and  until  this 
day  he  highly  respects  him. 

He  came  to  Atlanta  in  the  year  1866,  and  the  follow- 
ing year  was  converted  and  joined  the  Friendship  Bap- 
tist Church,  under  the  venerable  Rev.  Frank  Quarles. 
He  has  ever  since  labored  for  and  devoted  his  Christain 
zeal  to  this  church,  and  is  a  most  important  factor  in  it. 
He  assisted  largely  in  making  the  church  what  it  is  now, 
one  of  the  leading  Baptist  churches  in  the  State. 

He  was  at  one  time  employed  by  the  firm  of  Messrs. 
Hoke,  Miller  &  Company,  and,  because  of  his  faithfulness 
industry  and  efficiency,  was  greatly  esteemed  by  those 
gentlemen. 

He  is  identified  with  many  of  the  leading  enterprises, 
and  has  enlisted  his  heart  and  hands  in  every  commenda- 
ble effort  which  promises  to  promote  the  prosperity  of 
his  race.  In  the  capacity  of  a  workman  he  aided  in  the 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  39 

erection  of  the  old  capitol  building  on  Marietta  street, 
and  later  served  Mr.  A.  Landsburg,  an  extensive  lumber 
dealer,  whose  place  of  business  occupied  the  site  where 
the  Markham  hotel  now  stands.  He  was  made  foreman 
over  the  entire  business,  and  manager  of  the  yard  hands, 
and  the  accuracy  with  which  he  managed  the  business  of 
measuring  and  selling  lumber  was  commendable  in  no 
small  degree.  He  remained  with  this  gentleman,  and  after 
leaving  him,  went  into  the  grocery  business  on  a  small 
scale,  but  by  prompt  attention  to  business,  honesty  and 
sobriety,  he  has  built  up  a  business  surpassed  by  none  in 
the  city  in  its  line.  He  has  a  large  and  well  supplied 
stock  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries. 

In  addition  to  his  energy  and  arduous  labors  among 
his  people,  he  retains  the  highest  confidence  and  esteem  of 
all  good  citizens  of  both  races,  who  know  him. 

Concerning  the  orders  and  organizations  of  the  city,  he 
holds  in  some  of  these  the  highest  offices  in  their  gift. 
Was  chosen  president  of  a  benevolent  society,  which  office 
he  filled  with  trust  and  ability,  and  from  which  much  good 
has  been  d-erived. 

On  another  occasion  he  was  unanimously  elected  pres- 
ident of  a  Smallpox  Society,  during  the  time  when  that 
terrible  epidemic  infested  our  city.  Through  his  endur- 
ing efforts,  a  large  sum  of  money  was  collected  and  de- 
posited in  the  James'  Bank  for  the  relief  of  those  who 
might  fall  victims  to  the  dreaded  plague.  As  a  worker 
in  the  Sunday-school,  Rev.  Jones  has  no  peer,  as  there  is 
no  more  useful,  earnest  and  faithful  laborer  to  be  found. 
He  has  been  an  active  teacher  in  the  Friendship  Baptist 
church  for  the  past  twenty  years,  and  many  are  the 
young  men  who  have  graduated  from  the  A.  B.  S.,  who 
received  valuable  instruction  in  the  Sunday-school  class 
taught  by  Rev.  Jones.  It  can  truly  be  said,  that  no  one  has 
labored  more  zealously  for  the  Sunday-school  cause  than 


40  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

this  man.  Because  of  his  activity  and  Christian  zeal  for 
the  cause  of  Christ,  the  church  granted  him  license  and 
permission  to  preach  the  truth  "as  found  in  Christ  Jesus." 
He  possesses  a  superior'knowledge  of  the  scriptures,  and 
his  manner  of  expressing  it  is  eloquent  and  forcible.  As 
a  divine  he  stands  and  ranks  with  the  leading  clergy  of 
the  State. 

Along  with  the  other  note  worthy  events  of  his  life,  might 
be  mentioned  the  formation  of  the  Colored  Men's  Protec- 
tive Association,  an  organization  which  is  known  far 
and  near,  and  is  looked  upon  as  being  one  of  the  best  so- 
cieties among  the  race.  This  large  and  flourishing  insti- 
tution was  projected  and  founded  by  this  good  man  in 
the  year  1886.  After  careful  study  and  consideration  of  the 
poor  class  of  the  race,  he  devised  a  means  to  bring  them 
in  closer  connection  with  that  class  which  was  more  able  to 
help  them.  Thus  he  called  a  council  of  good  men  to  whom 
he  stated  his  object;  which  was,  that  he  desired  to  establish 
an  order  or  union  which  would  take  care  of  and  help  those 
who  were  unable  to  help  themselves.  Accordingly,  he, 
with  the  council,  set  to  work,  and  soon  the  good  results 
of  their  hard  toil  manifested  themselves.  Of  course  they 
did  not  have  smooth  sailing.  There  was  much  opposi- 
tion ;  but  the  harder  seemed  the  struggle,  the  more  vig- 
orous grew  these  combatants,  for  they  felt  they  were  fight- 
ing for  the  good  of  humanity.  Rev.  Jones  finally  suc- 
ceeded in  gathering  together  a  large  mass  of  people  from 
different  points  in  the  State,  and  with  the  committee  of 
the  following  gentlemen,  himself  being  chosen  chairman 
of  said  committee,  applied  to  the  superior  court  of  Fulton 
county  for  a  charter.  Committee,  N.  J.Jones,  Chairman; 
A.  Blalock,  A.  Payne,  H.  C.  Davis,  A.  B.  H.  Lowry. 

December  17,  1886,  the  charter  was  received  for  a 
term  of  twenty  years.  During  the  same  year  Rev. 
Jones  was  elected  President  of  the  Association.  During 


MRS.   CARRIE  STEELE  LOGAN. 


THE  CABRIE  STEELE   OBPHANS   HOME. 


I 


REV.    J.   J.    JONES. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  41 

the  year  1887  the  order  had  increased  in  number  to  one 
thousand,  and  soon  after  to  eighteen  hundred. 

Great  and  good  have  been  the  results  of  this  order, 
and  all  due  to  the  noble-hearted,  unselfish  Rev.  N.  J. 
Jones.  Sick  members  receive  the  best  attention,  the 
poor  are  cared  for  and  the  dead  decently  buried.  This 
good  work  is  not  confined  to  Atlanta,  the  society  has 
State  rights,  and,  as  a  consequence,  several  branch 
lodges  have  been  established  from  the  one  of  this  city. 
These  lodges  are  doing  creditable  work,  and  be  it  said  to 
the  honor  and  credit  of  Rev.  N.  J.  Jones,  that  under  his 
leadership  the  prosperity  of  the  lodge  has  been  great 
and  rapid.  As  expression  of  the  confidence  placed  in 
him,  he  has  been  made  president  every  year  since  its  or- 
ganization, and  this  without  opposition.  He  is  the  ac- 
knowledged leader  and  chief  commander,  and  is  backed 
by  a  number  of  intelligent  citizens.  It  is  an  established 
fact  that  the  Colored  Men's  Protective  Association  of 
Atlanta  has  done  more  to  lift  up  fallen  humanity  than 
any  other  organization  in  the  city. 

Its  doors  are  open  to  all  with  no  respect  to  persons  ; 
the  rich,  the  poor,  the  cast  down,  may  enter  and  receive 
protection,  all  that  is  needed  being  a  reformation  on  the 
part  of  those  who  have  been  or  are  cast  down. 

Those  who  are  received  must  take  most  solemnly  the 
pledge  which  strictly  requires  good  morals,  decency 
and  uprightness  of  character,  and  so  soon  as  one  violates 
this  pledge  he  is  excommunicated.  So  rapid  has  been 
the  growth  of  this  order  that  the  wise  president  saw  the 
need  of  enlarging  its  borders,  thus  giving  access  to  a 
broader  field  of  labor.  Accordingly,  he  called  a  conven- 
tion to  meet  at  Atlanta,  October,  1890.  In  that  grand 
assembly  were  'many  distinguished  business  men  from 
many  cities  of  the  State.  In  addition  to  widening  the 


42  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

field  of  work  and  establishing  better  laws,  the  president's 
object  was  to  organize  at  grand  lodge  for  the  State. 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  this  convention  was  a  success 
under  his  wise  jurisdiction,  for  he  rules  but  wisely.  The 
work  was  substantial  and  agreeable,  the  session  lasting 
three  days. 

During  the  session  the  delegates  from  the  various 
places  united  in  one  voice  in  electing  Rev.  Jones  Supreme 
Grand  President.  Thus  he  stands  supreme  over  all  of 
the  C.  M.  P.  A.  lodges. 

After  giving  a  grand  banquet  in  honor  of  the  presi- 
dent, the  Convention  adjourned  to  meet  at  Columbus, 
Ga.,  the  following  year.  The  Association  has  a  large 
amount  of  capital  deposited  in  one  of  the  prominent 
banks  of  the  city,  and  pays  out  to  its  sick  annually 
from  eight  to  nine  hundred  dollars.  Since  its  organiza- 
tion has  paid  out  to  its  members  more  than  five  thousand 
four  hundred  dollars,  besides  other  expenses. 

During  the  recent  heavy  snow  Rev.  Jones  busied  him- 
self in  looking  after  the  poor  and  needy.  With  wagon 
and  driver,  through  the  snow,  he  was  seen  going  from 
place  to  place  issuing  out  provisions  to  those  who  were 
in  need  ;  and  by  his  timely  aid  relieved  many  from  acute 
suffering. 

In  this  fragment  of  a  chapter,  this  mere  outline,  it  is  not 
possible  to  give  all  the  good  deeds  performed  by  this 
godly  man.  He  is  a  Christian  man,  affectionate  in  his 
home,  pleasant  and  polite  in  his  manner,  with  a  smiling 
countenance  for  all  he  meets. 

Rev.  Jones  will  long  live  in  the  hearts  of  his  people  as 
a  devoted  Christian,  and  a  leader  of  his  people. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  43 


WEST   ATLANTA   W.  C.  T.  U. 

ORGANIZED  MARCH  10,  1887,  AT  FRIENDSHIP  BAPTIST 
CHURCH,  UNDER  THE  SUPERVISION  OF  MISS  LIZZIE 
STEPHENSON. 

The  following  officers  were  chosen:  Mrs.  Ella  M.  Pitts, 
President;  Mrs.  E.  R.  Carter,  Vice- President,  and  Mrs. 
M.  A.  Ford,  Secretary. 

The  object  of  the  Union  is  to  promote  the  cause  of 
temperance  and  morality,  especially  in  the  western  part 
of  the  city.  The  departments  of  work  chosen  by  the 
Union  were  these:  Prison  and  Railroad  Work,  Press 
Work,  Juvenile  Work,  Social  Purity,  Department  of  Lit- 
erature. 

The  Union  did  very  little  during  the  first  years  of  its 
organization  except  hold  prayer-meetings,  study  temper- 
ance literature  and  visit  the  sick  in  the  neighborhood.  In 
1890,  with  Mrs.  M.  A.  Ford,  President,  regular  active 
work  began  at  the  close  of  the  year.  The  reports 
brought  in  were  as  follows:  « 

Report  of  Mrs.  M.  A.  Mason  McCurdy,  Superintend- 
ent of  Prison  and  Railroad  Work — Chain-gang  visited 
three  times;  39  books,  n  Testaments  and  19  different 
kinds  of  papers  distributed  among  prisoners;  reports  of 
W.  C.  T.  U.  sent  to  five  different  papers. 

Report  from  Miss  M.  F,  Pullen,  Superintendent  of  Ju- 
venile Work — Twenty-three  talks  on  purity  to  the  girls 
of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  of  the  Atlanta  University,  and  28  talks 
to  the  Unions  in  the  city  on  the  following  subjects:  En- 
gagements, What  They  Are;  Engagements,  What  They 
Should  Be;  Care  of  Body,  Baths,  etc.;  Mother's  Influ- 
ence; Marriage;  Motherhood;  Unfermented  Wine;  Char- 
acter Building.  Talks  given  privately  to  63  persons;  23 
young  women  took  White  Cross  pledge. 


44  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Reports  in  the  year  closing  March,  1891,  were  these: 

Superintendent  of  Social  Purity  reported  127  pledges 
taken  for  social  purity. 

Superintendent  of  Juvenile  Work,  two  Bands  of  Hope 
organized. 

Superintendent  of  Work  among  the  Girls,  Miss  Eunice 
D.  Coles,  reported  that  her  class  of  girls  had  made  cloth- 
ing for  an  orphan  baby;  also  had  pieced  a  quilt  for  an 
orphan  home  in  Covington,  Ga.  This  class  of  girls  met 
once  a  week,  and  sewed  while  some  one  read  an  inter- 
esting book  to  them. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  ending  March,  1892,  with 
Mrs.  E.  R.  Carter.  President,  these  reports  were  brought 
in: 

Superintendent  of  Evangelistic  Work  reported  2 1  visits 
made  poor  and  sick,  of  the  neighborhood. 

Superintendent  of  Social  Purity,  23  pledges  distributed, 
—  visits  made  to  four  families,  3  public  talks  on  purity 
6  mothers'  meetings. 

A  committee  was  sent  to  pastors  of  different  churches 
to  urge  them  to  use  unfermented  wine  on  the  communion 
table.  Two  surprises  were  given  to  poor  families. 

Through  the  influence  of  the  Union  enough  money  was 
raised  for  the  burial  of  a  poor  man. 

Miss  M.  F.  Shattuck,  an  honorary  member  of  the 
Union,  gave  to  it  $12  with  which  to  purchase  a  book- 
case for  a  library  to  be  located  in  the  western  part  of  the 
city.  A  good  number  of  books  have  been  given  by  Mrs. 
C.  C.  Tucker  and  other  friends  from  the  A.  U. 

For  the  year  ending  March,  1893,  the  following  pro- 
gram was  sent  out  by  our  State  President,  Mrs.  G.  "W. 
King,  to  be  used  in  each  Union : 

On  the  first  Monday  in  each  month,  business  meeting; 
second  Monday,  science  meeting;  third  Monday,  social  • 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  45 

• 

purity  and  mothers'  meeting;  fourth  Monday,  Bible  read- 
ing, consecration  and  prayer-meeting. 

During  this  year  a  number  of  visits  were  made  by 
members  of  the  Union  to  the  poor  and  sick.  Two  quilts 
quilted  for  an  orphan  home.  A  room  rented  in  which  to 
open  a  library.  A  bookcase  purchased  and  books 
marked  and  arranged  in  the  case.  On  the  opening  of  the 
library  an  ice-cream  and  strawberry  festival  was  given, 
which  was  preceded  by  literary  exercises. 

It  is  the  aim  of  the  West  Atlanta  W.  C.  T.  U.  to  con- 
tinue the  work  begun  until  its  influence  for  good  can  be 
felt  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  from  the  lakes  on  the 
north  to  the  gulf  on  the  south.  We  shall  not  stop  here^ 
but  continue  to  pray,  hope  and  work  until  the  whole 
world  shall  be  made  better  for  the  West  Atlanta  Women's 
Christian  Temperance  Union  having  been  organized. 

MRS.  M.  A.   FORD,  President. 

M.  F.  PULLEN,  Secretary. 


MORRIS  BROWN  COLLEGE. 

In  pursuance  of  the  policy  of  the  African  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  the  ministers  of  this  denominatiori  in 
the  State  of  Georgia,  in  1880,  resolved  to  build  a  college 
for  the  education  of  the  young  men  and  women. 

Accordingly  in  1 88 1,  under  the  general  superintend- 
ence of  Rt.  Rev.  W.  J.  Gaines,  D.D.,  the  beautiful  site, 
overlooking  the  City  of  Atlanta,  was  purchased  at  a  cost 
of  $3,500,  and  thereon,  in  1885,  was  erected  the  north 
wing  of  the  proposed  college.  This  portion  of  the 
building  was  completed  and  dedicated  to  the  memory  of 
Rt.  Rev.  Morris  Brown,  the  second  bishop  of  the 
A.  M.  E.  Church.  Hence*  the  name,  "  Morris  Brown 
College." 


46  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

•  V 

In  October,  1885,  Morris  Brown  College  first  opened 
its  doors  for  the  admission  of  students  eager  for  educa- 
tion. During  that  year  107  were  enrolled.  Since  then, 
many  improvements  have  been  made.  A  large  sum  of 
money  has  been  expended  in  furnishing  the  school  with 
the  best  school  furniture,  as  desks,  seats,  maps,  black- 
boards, clocks,  globes  and  other  necessary  supplies. 
The  north  wing  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  $10,000, 
and  last  year  the  south  wing,  a  building  the  same  as  the 
north  wing,  was  put  up  at  about  the  same  cost,  thereby 
making  a  total  expenditure  of  about  §25,000  on  the  two 
buildings.  This  amount  was  raised  by  Negroes,  from 
among  Negroes,  for  Negroes  of  the  State  of  Georgia. 

During  the  first  period  of  the  history  of  the  school  it 
was  under  the  principalship  of  Mrs.  A.  D.  Gary,  who 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  E.  W.  Lee,  A.M.  These  princi- 
pals were  each  zealous  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  the 
school  and,  in  increasing  its  usefulness. 

In  1 888  Professor  A.  St.  Geo.  Richardson  was  appointed 
Principal  of  Morris  Brown  College,  which  position  he  still 
holds  with  much  credit.  Under  his  management  the 
school  has  steadily  progressed  from  year  to  year.  Both 
the  staff  of  teachers  and  the  number  of  pupils  have  been 
doubled.  In  1888  there  were  four  teachers  ;  now  the 
corps  of  teachers  numbers  eight.  The  enrollment  of 
pupils  for  1888  was  252;  and  at  the  date  of  writing  the 
enrollment  for  the  present  year  is  430. 

The  course  of  instruction  embraces  four  departments, 
viz:  ist,  the  English  Department;  2d,  the  Normal  De- 
partment ;  3d,  the  Academic  Department;  4th,  the  In- 
dustrial Department. 

The  English  Department  comprises  eight  classes, 
taught  by  competent,  experienced  teachers,  who  have  the 
work  at  heart,  and  are  interested  in  the  moral  and  spirit- 
ual welfare  of  the  pupils,  as  well  as  the  development  of 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  47 

the  intellect.  The  instruction  given  in  this,  as  also  in  the 
other  departments,  is  systematic  and  thorough. 

The  Normal  Department  aims  at  giving  full  and  sound 
instruction  in  those  branches  of  study  "Which  are  calcu- 
lated best  to  prepare  and  tit  the  student  not  only  for  the 
profession  of  teaching,  but,  at  the  end,  for  the  active 
duties  of  life. 

In  the  Academic  Course,  the  student  is  prepared  for 
the  higher  studies  embraced  in  the  college  course,  and 
also  for  entering  the  field  of  business  and  commerce. 

Although  the  Industrial  Department  is  not  yet  fully 
established,  it  is  expected  to  have  manual  training  in 
operation  and  actively  engaged  in  by  the  students  after 
the  opening  of  the  next  fall  term  in  1893. 

The  curriculum  of  studies  is  so  arranged  that  on  the 
completion  of  any  one  course  the  student  will  have  ac- 
quired a  good  foundation  for  the  pursuance  of  any  higher 
course,  or  for  active  service  in  the  business  world  should 
he  then  discontinue  his  studies  at  school.  The  system 
of  instruction  is  uniform  throughout,  and  is  arranged  so 
that  all  the  several  courses  are  but  different  links  in  the 
one  great  educational  chain  that  binds  together  the  sev- 
eral parts  of  the  whole  system. 

Music  is  taught  to  all  the  pupils,  who  are  drilled  in 
the  elementary  exercises  of  the  first  and  second  music 
readers.  The  pupils  are  taught  to  sing  with  feeling  and 
expression.  Instrumental  music  will  be  one  of  the  new 
departments  in  the  next  academic  year. 

Drills  and  calisthenics  form  a  part  of  the  instruction  to 
pupils  in  the  English  Department.  The  various  exten- 
sion movements  with  wands,  bar-bells,  etc.,  are  the  ones 
generally  practiced. 

Fridays  of  each  week  are  devoted  to  a  review  of  the 
week's  work  done  by  the  pupils.  Exercises,  such  as 
essays,  declamations,  recitations,  etc.,  are  presented  by 


48  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

the  several  classes.  The  last  hour  of  this  day  is  devoted 
to  Bible-reading  and  students'  prayer-meeting,  in  which 
the  students  take  a  most  active  part,  and  by  their  inter- 
est and  enthusiasm,  together  with  the  assistance  of  the 
teachers,  many  souls  have  been  converted  to  Christ. 

Upon  the  opening  of  the  new  building  next  fall  ar- 
rangements will  be  made  to  accommodate,  with  board 
and  lodging,  students  from  abroad,  who  are  now  com- 
pelled to  board  in  private  families  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
college. 

In  the  new  building  it  is  expected  to  have  established 
the  Theological  Department  for  the  special  training  of 
young  men  about  to  enter  the  ministry. 

The  Academic  Faculty  is  composed  of  the  following 
efficient  and  experienced  teachers: 

A.  St.  Geo.  Richardson,  B.A.,  Principal,  Professor  of 
Classics  and  Mental  Science. 

Miss  Carrie  J.  Thomas,  Assistant  Principal,  Instructor 
in  Science  and  Literature. 

Miss  Florence  H.  Martin,  Instructor  in  History  and 
Mathematics. 

Mrs.  Alice  M.  Hoyt,  Teacher  of  English  Branches. 

Miss  Annie  B.  Thomas,  Teacher  of  English,  and  Sec- 
retary of  Faculty. 

Mrs.  Ella  M.  Landrum,  Teacher  of  English  Branches 

Mrs.  I.  E.  Upshaw,  Preceptress  of  Primary  Depart- 
ment. 

Miss  Julia  T.  Allen,  Assistant  Primary  Teacher. 

In  addition  to  the  above  staff  of  teachers  Rev.  S.  H. 
Robertson,  D.D.,  is  the  General  Superintendent  and 
Treasurer.  The  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  is 
'Rt.  Rev.  Abram  Grant,  Presiding  Bishop  of  the  Sixth 
Episcopal  District.  Of  the  Executive  Board  Rev.  E.  P. 
Holmes  is  Chairman,  Rev.  A.  W.  Lowe,  Secretary. 

Bishop  W.  J.  Gaines,  ex-President  of  the   Board  of 


BIG   BETHEL. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  49 

Trustees,  has  labored  strenuously  to  place  this  school  on 
a  good,  sure  foundation,  so  that  its  future  success  may 
be  assured  and  its  purposes  realized. 

During  the  past  five  years  Professor  Richardson,  with 
his  able  corps  of  teachers,  has  put  forth  every  effort  to 
bring  this  school  to  the  front  rank,  so  that  now  it  stands 
forth  as  the  coming  school  of  the  Negroes  in  the  State 
of  Georgia.  This  school  is  a  monument  to  the  enter- 
prise and  energy  of  the  Negroes  of  Georgia. 

On  all  their  public  exhibitions  and  concerts  the  students 
have  always  acquitted  themselves  well,  and  have  received 
many  favorable  comments  from  both  pulpit  and  press. 
The  commencement  exercises  reflect  much  credit  on  the 
school  and  its  energetic  Principal. 

Morris  Brown  College  has  graduated  three  young 
ladies  from  its  Normal  Department.  In  1890,  Miss 
Laurean  Chandler,  now.  teacher  in  Summer  Hill  Public 
School,  Atlanta;  in  1892,  Miss  Georgia  Allen,  Principal 
Grant  Institute,  Mclntosh,  Ga.,  and  Miss  Julia  T.  Allen, 
teacher  at  Morris  Brown  College. 

The  work  that  is  now  being  done  is  principally  pre- 
paratory and  normal,  but  in  process  of  time  the  higher 
courses  will  be  fully  established  as  the  school  grows 
older. 

Our  great  need  is  money  sufficient  to  complete  the  en- 
tire structure  of  the  building  and  equip  the  school  with 
all  necessary  apparatus.  An  endowment  of  about  $25,000 
or  $30,000  would  be  a  lasting  monument  to  the  gen- 
erosity of  any  one  who  has  the  work  of  education  at 
heart.  Should  any  person  be  thus  inclined  to  help  a 
school  that  has  thus  far  been  helping  itself  without  the 
aid  of  any  endowment  of  any  sort,  he  would  confer  a 
lasting  benefit  on  the  negroes  of  Georgia  and  immortalize 
his  name  by  making  a  bequest  to  this  school,  Morris 
Brown  College. 


50  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 


I.  O.  OF  O.  F.    ST.    JAMES  LODGE    NO.    1455. 

In  the  year  1870,  January  20,  Mr.  Augustus  Thomp- 
son met  upon  the  streets  of  Atlanta  one  Mr.  James 
Lowndes,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  who  had  only  a  day  pre- 
vious come  to  Atlanta.  Mr.  Thompson  was  recognized 
by  Mr.  Lowndes  by  the  likeness  he  bore  to  his  brother 
who  resided  at  Louisville,  and  who  was  a  friend  and  ac- 
quaintance of  Mr.  Lowndes.  A  conversation  arose, 
during  which  Mr.  Lowndes  asked  Mr.  Thompson  if  the 
people  of  Atlanta  had  an  Odd  Fellows  Lodge  here. 
Receiving  a  reply  in  the  negative,  he  said  to  him  that  he 
(Mr.  L.)  could  tell  him  how  to  organize  such.  The 
proposition  was  accepted,  and  they  proceeded  forthwith 
to  discuss  matters  relative  to  it.  The  Lodge  could  be 
organized  with  twenty-five  good  men.  Accordingly  Mr. 
Thomson  set  about  in  search  of  this  number.  He  first 
succeeded  in  gathering  together  six  or  seven  good  men, 
and  on  the  following  Sunday  they  met  in  a  basement  on 
corner  Pulliam  and  Rawson  streets,  belonging  to  E.  E. 
Rawson.  After  arranging  preliminary  matters  they  dis- 
persed, each  promising  to  bring  some  one  to  the  next 
meeting.  The  following  week  they  organized  with  the 
desired  number — twenty-five — among  which  number 
were  some  of  the  best  citizens,  such  as  Revs.  J.  A.  Wood, 
J.  A.  Carey  and  Brothers  J.  D.  Render,  A.  Thompson, 
and  others.  Their  next  action  was  to  write  to  Philadel- 
phia to  Mr.  James  Netum,  General  Secretary  of  Com- 
mittee of  Management,  who  forwarded  the  application 
to  England.  The  chapter  was  delayed  for  twelve  months, 
thus  it  was  some  time  before  the  body  could  be  fully  or- 
ganized.  But  during  this  time  the  members  cared  for 
their  sick  and  buried  their  dead,  while  waiting  for  their 
charter. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  51 

Finally  a  letter  from  them  fell  into  the  hands  of  D.  B. 
Bowser,  who  had  been  installed  as  General  Secretary  of 
Committee  of  Management  in  the  place  of  the  deceased 
Mr.  James  Netum.  He  wrote  the  body  telling  them  so 
soon  as  their  charter  arrived  from  England  he  would  so 
inform  them. 

In  the  meantime,  after  they  had  been  started  a  period 
of  about  ten  months,  Rev.  F.  J.  Peck,  hearing  of  the 
movement  on  foot  and  being  an  ex-member  from  Boston, 
Mass.,  also  started  up  a  lodge  and  named  it  the  Star  of 
the  South.  January,  1871,  the  charter  and  books  arrived, 
and  immediate  arrangements  were  perfected  for  D.  B. 
Bowser,  of  Philadelphia,  to  come  to  Atlanta  to  set  up 
the  lodge.  He  came  by  the  members  paying  him  $3.00 
per  day,  from  the  time  he  left  Philadelphia  till  his  return 
to  that  city,  and  also  his  traveling  expenses,  board  and 
one  gallon  of  beer  per  day.  March  5,  1871,  he 
reached  Atlanta,  and  during  the  same  day  set  up  the  St. 
James  Lodge  No.  1455,  one  hundred  members  strong. 

The  St.  James  agreed  to  let  Mr.  Bowser  set  up  the 
Star  of  the  South  Lodge  if  it  would  agree  to  pay  half  of 
the  expenses,  which  they  did. 

The  officers  installed  in  St.  James  Lodge  No.  1455 
were  as  follows  :  Augustus  Thompson,  Noble  Father ; 
James  Lowndes,  Noble  Grand  ;  Rev.  J.  A.  Wood,  Vice- 
Grand  ;  L.  S.  Smith,  P.  S. 

The  Star  of  South  No.  1456,  with  sixty  members 
and  Vine  Ware  (now  deceased)  as  Noble  Father,  was 
also  set  up. 

Under  the  St.  James  Lodge  a  lodge  was  organized 
at  Marietta,  Ga.,  with  thirty-four  members.  Also  one 
at  Dalton,  Ga.,  with  forty  or  more  members.  Then  one 
at  Augusta,  Ga. 

Thus  it  is  seen  from  the  start,  the  St.  James  No. 
1455  began  to  work,  and  is  still  burying  her  dead, 


52  -  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

caring  for  her  sick,  and  at  this  time,  taking  care  of  an 
old  brother  who  has  been  blind  for  ten  years  ;  all  of  this 
time  giving  him  from  $10  to  $12  per  month.  This 
Lodge  has  done  great  work.  It  has  a  lot  which  cost  the 
members  $3,350,  and  a  four-story  brick  building  costing 
over  $n,ooo,  making  a  total  of  $14,356.  The  Lodge 
is  still  growing  and  has  a  very  large  membership.  The 
following  brethren  have  done  much  good  as  Board  of 
Directors  and  as  Building  Committee  : 

W.  H.  Landrum,  M.  P.  V.  P  ;  W.  A.  Harris,  Perry 
Calhoun,  Henry  Pleasant,  A  Dixon,  Professor  C.  W. 
Hill,  L.  H.  Cargile,  Martin  Alexander,  Wesley  Redding, 
Lucius  Lester,  Treasurer ;  E.  B.  Gibson,  P.  S.  ;  La- 
fayette Landrum.  AUGUSTUS  THOMPSON, 

M.  P.  V.  P. 


HISTORICAL    SKETCH    OF    THE    ATLANTA 
BAPTIST  SEMINARY. 

THE  ATLANTA  BAPTIST  SEMINARY,  under  the  name 
of  The  Augusta  Institute^  was  founded  at  Augusta, 
Ga.,  in  May,  1867.  It  was  conducted  under  the 
auspices  of  the  National  Theological  Institute,  by  Rev.. 
J.  W.  Parker,  D.D. 

No  permanent  location  having  been  secured  for  it 
thus  early  in  its  history,  it  was  taught  at  night  in  Spring- 
field Baptist  Church. 

When  Dr.  Parker  had  been  in  charge  but  three 
months  feeble  health  compelled  him  temporarily  to  sus- 
pend his  labors  and  return  North.  During  his  absence, 
at  his  request,  Rev.  J.  Mason  Rice  took  the  principalship 
and  continued  it  until  the  following  fall,  when  Dr.  Parker 
returned  to  his  post  of  duty. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  53 

Instruction  was  given  by  lectures  to  such  ministers  and 
deacons  as  found  it  convenient  to  attend,  while  two  as- 
sistants taught  females. 

In  November  of  the  same  year,  Dr.  Parker  having  re- 
signed, Rev.  Charles  H.  Corey  and  wife  were  appointed 
to  fill  the  vacancy.  They  retained  Mr.  Rice,  and  taught 
with  success  until  July  13,  1868,  when  Mr.  Corey  was 
transferred  to  the  Richmond  Institute,  Richmond,  Va. 

Early  in  the  following  winter,  Rev.  Lucien  C.  Hayden, 
D.D.,  succeeded  Mr.  Corey  in  the  management  of  the 
Seminary,  but  as  the  United  States  Educational  Bureau 
was  then  establishing  schools  for  the  colored  people,  it 
was  thought  best  to  blend  the  efforts  of  the  Seminary 
with  those  of  the  Bureau. 

Dr.  Hayden  took  charge  of  these  schools  in  January, 
1869.  Thus,  with  the  exception  of  an  occasional  lecture, 
ministerial  training  during  that  year  was  discontinued. 

November  15,  1869,  under  appointment  of  the  Ameri- 
can Baptist  Home  Mission  Society,  Rev.  W.  D.  Seigfried 
came  South  as  the  president  of  the  Seminary.  The 
school  being  still  without  quarters  of  its  own,  it  was 
urged  by  friends  that  it  was  essential  to  its  success  that 
the  Society  should  purchase  a  site  for  that  purpose. 
Accordingly,  April  21,  1870,  a  beautiful  lot  in  the  city  of 
Augusta,  Ga.,  180  by  180  feet,  centrally  located  on 
Telfair  street,  was  bought  for  cash  at  $5,700. 

Dr.  Seigfried  at  once  removed  to  the  premises,  where 
he  had  an  unusually  large  attendance. 

In  the  summer  he  went  North  to  solicit  subscriptions 
to  reimburse  the  Society  for  the  outlay  in  the  purchase 
of  this  property.  He  returned  early  in  the  following 
autumn  ;  but  in  the  course  of  a  few  months  he  severed 
his  connection  with  the  institution,  whose  operations 
were  a  second  time  suspended  (until  August  i,  1871), 
when  Rev.  Jos.  T.  Robert,  LL.D.,  was  appointed  to  its 


54  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

presidency.  A  Southern  gentleman  of  high  culture  and 
liberal  views,  Dr.  Robert  succeeded  in  carrying  forward 
the  work  as  none  of  his  predecessors  had  been  able  to 
do.  He  conducted  the  school  four  years  without  an  as- 
sistant. In  addition  to  raising  funds  for  its  maintenance* 
he  heard  recitations  five  hours  a  day,  and  delivered  two 
lectures  a  week  on  biblical  and  scientific  subjects. 

The  fifth  year  he  had  two  of  his  advanced  students  aid 
him  in  hearing  classes.  In  the  sixth  year  of  his  connec- 
tion with  the  Seminary  Professor  Sterling  Gardner,  an 
accomplished  colored  gentleman,  a  graduate  of  Madison 
University,  Hamilton,  New  York,  was  transferred  from 
the  Richmond  Institute  to  assist  Dr.  Robert  at  Augusta. 

Professor  Gardner  was  eminently  fitted  for  the  work, 
and  did  effective  service,  but  in  less  than  a  year,  after  a 
protracted  illness,  he  died.  During  his  sickness,  and  after 
his  decease,  two  of  his  pupils,  Collins  H.  Lyons  and 
William  E.  Holmes,  aided  Dr.  Robert  in  his  work. 

After  the  death  of  Professor  Gardner,  Rev,  David 
Shaver,  D.D.,  was  associated  with  Dr.  Robert  as  his 
principal  assistant,  from  the  beginning  of  the  session 
1878-79  to  the  close  of  that  of  1 880-81.  A  man  pos- 
sessed of  large  general  information,  and  deeply  learned  in 
theology  and  philosophy,  Dr.  Robert  found  in  him  a 
colaborer  admirably  adapted  to  the  work  he  loved  so 
well. 

In  the  fall  of  1879  tne  Seminary  was  removed  to 
Atlanta,  Ga,,  and  given  its  present  name,  THE  AT- 
LANTA BAPTIST  SEMINARY.  An  eligible  lot  of  four 
acres  was  purchased,  and  a  commodious  brick  building 
was  erected  for  its  use  at  the  corner  of  Elliott  and  West 
Hunter  streets. 

Dr.  Robert  continued  with  the  school  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  March  5,  1884. 

After  the  death  of  Dr.  Robert,  his  first  assistant,  Rev. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  55 

David  F.  Estes,  A.M.,  was  commissioned  acting  presi- 
dent. In  this  capacity  he  served  with  acceptance  until 
May  27,  1886,  when  Rev.  Samuel  Graves,  D.D.,  of 
Grand  Rapids,  Michigan,  was  appointed  to  succeed  Dr. 
Robert.  Dr.  Graves  is  unusually  well  qualified  to  dis- 
charge the  delicate  and  difficult  duties  of  his  position, 
having  had  large  experience  as  a  pastor  and  educator. 

Under  him  the  Seminary  has  gone  steadily  forward; 
its  standard  has  been  raised,  its  attendance  increased, 
and  its  influence  wicened. 

As  the  result  of  Dr.  Graves's  efforts,  the  American 
Baptist  Home  Mission  Society  has  been  enabled  to  secure 
a  lot  of  fourteen  acres,  "beautiful  for  situation,"  high 
and  healthful,  in  the  western  part  of  the  city,  for  the  sum 
of  §7,500,  on  which  a  building,  convenient  in  all  its  ap- 
pointments, 140  feet  front  and  four  stories  high,  has  been 
erected.  The  corner  stone  of  this  structure  was  laid  in 
May,  and  the  Missionary  Baptist  Convention  of  Georgia, 
which  was  then  in  session  here,  took  pr^rt  in  the  exercises 
on  that  occasion.  This  building  was  ready  for  occu- 
pancy December  I,  1889. 

In  view  of  the  steady  and  substantial  progress  which 
the  Seminary  has  made  during  the  twenty  years  of 'its 
existence,  we  have  reason  to  "thank  God  and  take 
courage." 


THE  COLORED  PROTECTIVE  ASSOCIATION, 

No.  3- 

In  this  thrifty,  rushing  nineteenth  century,  when  in- 
vention and  enterprise  are  lending  much  in  aiding  the 
human  family  in  rising  to  the  high  mark  of  that  civiliza- 
tion which  characterizes  all  thorough-going,  industrious 
people,  the  negro  has  not  shown  in  the  least  that  he  is 


56  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

wanting  on  any  of  these  lines.  He  has  organized  banking 
systems,  building  and  loan  associations,  institutions  of 
learning,  and  corporations  of  such  nature  as  do  aid  the 
people  in  acquiring  wealth  in  many  ways  which  enable 
them  to  have  some  income  outside  of  their  daily  labor. 

The  Colored  Men's  Protective  Association,  which  is 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  one  of  those  enterprises 
which  render  many  a  poor  man,  washerwoman  and 
mechanic's  condition  in  time  of  sickness  or  disability  less 
burdensome  than  it  otherwise  would  have  been  without 
the  existence  of  such  an  enterprise. 

This  benevolent  enterprise  was  organized  in  Shiloh 
African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Au- 
gust 24,  1888,  by  Lodge  No.  i,  with  Robert  Farmer 
as  its  President  and  Robert  Collier  as  Secretary,  having  at 
the  time  of  the  organization  forty-two  members.  Since 
the  date  of  its  organization  the  membership  has  grown 
to  be  1,068.  They  have  as  a  financial  basis  $1,633.25. 
They  have  paid  out  as  sick  benefits  $842.75,  and  for 
burying  the  dead  of  the  Association  §275.00;  for  other 
expenses  and  charitable  purposes  $40.90.  The  object  of 
this  enterprise  is  not  simply  to  administer  to  the  wants  of 
'their  members  and  to  protect  them  in  the  many  disadvan- 
tages that  they  may  be  called  to  undergo  in  these  lines, 
but  to  stand  by  their  fellow-men  at  all  times  and  in  any 
case  of  emergency  or  danger;  and,  further,  to  help  their 
fellow-citizen  of  the  "Black  Side"  in  building  up  business 
establishments,  to  induce  the  people  of  the  race  to 
patronize  the  men  of  their  race  that  are  in  business;  and, 
further,  to  aid  the  unfortunate  in  obtaining  his  legal  rights 
at  this  time. 

The  Colored  Men's  Protective  Association  has  been 
instrumental  in  doing  grand  service  to  its  race.  Since 
their  organization  they  have  held  their  meetings  in  build- 
ings owned  by  colored  men ;  first,  for  some  time  in  the 


ODD  FELLOW'S  HALL. 


Hnr 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  57 

Shiloh  African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church;  then  in  the 
River's  Hall,  and  now  in  the  Shell  Opera  House,  a  splen- 
did three-story  building. 

In  the  sick-room  they  employ  the  doctors  of  their  own 
race,  and  thus  build  up  the  practice  of  colored  physicians. 
Among  the  colored  physicians  Drs.  I.  W..  Hays  and 
Taylor  are  the  practicing  physicians. 

The  Hon.  Robert  Farmer,  who  is  at  the  head  of  this 
enterprise,  is  a  man  of  wonderful  natural  executive 
power;  he  governs  his  people  with  the  skill  of  a  Napolean. 
This  able  man  was  born  in  the  dark  days  of  ante  bellum 
times,  when  negroes  were  not  allowed  to  learn  their 
letters,  in  the  county  of  Franklin,  Ga.,  July  30, 1842.  He 
is  a  very  devout  Christian  minister,  a  straight-forward 
business  man,  a  finished  mechanic,  a  lover  of  his  race,  a 
man  of  honors  and  virtues  that  would  adorn  any  race. 


THE  MT.  ZION  BAPTIST  CHURCH,  OF 
ATLANTA,   GA. 

This  is  the  second  Baptist  Church  of  this  city.  It  was 
organized  April  5,  1868,  by  the  Revs.  Dock  Philip, 
Owen  George,  George  Hines,  M.  Mitchell,  Deacons 
Samuel  Gordon,  Anthony  White  and  Milner. 

The  above  composed  the  council,  with  the  following 
members:  Brethren  James  Thornton,  Henry  Gates, 
John  Mack ey,  David  Hines;  Sisters  Charity  Owens 
and  others,  thirteen  in  all,  and  Rev.  Dock  Philip  as 
pastor.  This  church  edifice  was  located  on  Luckie  Hill, 
where  services  were  held  for  a  considerable  length  of 
time. 

In  1869   the  church    changed    pastors,    calling    Rev. 


58  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Owen  George  from  Griffin,  Ga.  He  accepted  the 
charge.  During  the  rive  years  of  their  stay  on  Luckie 
Hill  many  were  added  to  the  church. 

In  1882  the  members,  becoming  dissatisfied  with  their 
place  of  worship,  agreed  to  move  to  the  corner  of  Baker 
and  Calhoun  streets.  This  site  was  located  by  Rev. 
Owen  George  the  pastor,  and  his  composed  trustees. 
They  purchased  a  piece  of  land  at  the  above  named 
place,  from  Wallace  &  Fowler,  for  three  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars.  They  erected  a  house  of  worship  at  a  cost 
of  $  1,000,  facing  East  Baker  street.  Here  they  wor- 
shipped till  the  disease  of  their  venerable  and  loving  pas- 
tor. After  his  death  the  church  called  Rev.  A.W.Watson 
who  served  them  two  years,  when  for  some  unknown 
cause  there  came  about  great  dissatisfaction,  which  re- 
salted  in  the  burning  of  their  house  of  worship.  This 
caused  much  confusion  among  the  members  and  they  no 
longer  kept  Rev.  Watson  as  pastor,  but  called  Rev. 
W.  R.  demons,  from  Greene  county,  Ga.  This  was  in 
1880.  Having  no  house  of  worship,  they  went  to  an  old 
box-factory  and  worshipped  there  until  they  could  build, 
which  they  did  in  a  short  time.  They  marched  their 
members  from  the  old  factory  and  settled  them  in  their 
new  house  of  worship,  in  the  same  spot  of  the  first  one. 
Their  new  house  cost  three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars. 
They  used  this  house  for  five  years,  when  they  again  be- 
came discontented,  and  Rev.  demons  split  the  church, 
carried  out  fifty-eight  members  and  with  them  built  a 
church  known  as  Mt.  Olive  Church.  The  Mt.  Zion 
Church  being  without  a  pastor,  could  not  remain  so,  and 
immediately  called  Rev.  W.  L.  Jones,  of  Roswell  Junc- 
tion. This  was  in  the  year  1886.  He  accepted  the  call, 
and  soon  under  his  wise  guidance  the  darkness  dispersed, 
light  shone  into  each  heart,  and  the  prospects  for  ad- 
vancement were  bright.  They  moved  on  gradually,  and 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  59 

through  prayer  and  supplication  many  new  souls  were 
added  to  their  number. 

The  church  wanted  their  pastor  fully  equipped  for  his 
high  calling,  so  it  sent  him  to  the  A.  B.  S.  that  he  might 
gain  the  needed  knowledge.  His  salary  was  seventy- 
five  dollars  per  month,  besides  they  giving  him  a  com- 
fortable home  on  Angier  avenue. 

This  saying  of  the  Saviour  was  a  prophecy:  "  He  that 
soppeth  in  the  dish  with  me,  has  lifted  his  heels  against 
me.  As  a  proof,  in  1888  Rev.  Jones  split  this  grand  old 
church  again  and  carried  out  about  sixty-five  members. 
This  wounded  the  hearts  of  many.  They,  however, 
would  not  give  up  the  struggle,  but  with  Jesus  as  their 
leader,  struggled  on  in  prayer,  and  in  1890  called  Rev. 
S.  A.  McNeal.  He  served  them  one  year,  when  his 
resignation  was  solicited.  He  resigned,  whereupon  Rev. 
W.  H.  Tilman,  from  Tennessee,  was  chosen  as  pastor. 
He  remained  until  June,  1892,  when,  without  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  members,  he  left  them  without  a  pastor. 
They  heard  of  the  good- works  of  the  oratorical  W.  H. 
Tuggle,  a  young  pulpit  divine,  who  was  then  laboring 
in  Morgan,  Putnam,  Green  and  Rockdale  counties.  He 
was  known  from  reputation  as  a  preacher,  praying  man 
and  a  singer. ,  He  had  already  four  churches  in  charge, 
consisting  of  one  thousand,  one  hundred  and  eighty-six 
members,  and  found  it  hard  to  leave  this  field ;  but  trust- 
ing in  God,  he  accepted  the  call  of  the  Mt.  Zion  Church, 
and  was  installed  October,  1892.  Since  his  acceptance 
very  flattering  are  the  prospects  of  success.  Through 
this  noble  young  man  the  church  has  made  rapid  strides 
toward  advancement, ,  and  many  wayward  ones  have 
been  brought  into  the  fold  of  Christ.  The  church  edi- 
fice is  among  the  largest  of  the  city,  and  very  often 
standing-room  cannot  be  procured,  so  large  is  the  au- 
dience. 


60  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

This  church  is  the  root  of  more  branch  churches  than 
any  other  in  the  State,  six  having  gone  out  from  it,  being 
located  in  this  city. 

Surely  "  The  Lord  loveth  Zion  more  than  all  the 
dwellings  of  Judea." 


FLOYD  H.  CRUMBLY, 

SOLDIER,  LEADING  MERCHANT,   ENTERPRISING  CIT- 
IZEN. 

Among  the  prosperous  men  of  Georgia,  is  Floyd  H. 
Crumbly,  of  Atlanta.  Of  those  of  this  city  who  have 
made  the  mercantile  line  a  success,  he  ranks  head.  He 
has  prospered  and  grown  with  the  prosperity  and  growth 
of  the  city,  and  to-day  is  the  leading  young  colored  mer- 
chant of  the  town. 

In  commencing  this  business,  Mr.  Crumbly  started  at 
the  lowest  round  of  the  ladder,  but  his  ascent  has  been 
steady  and  sure.  His  firm  resolution  and  strong  will 
suffered  him  not  to  think  of  failure.  Persevere  and  suc- 
ceed !  were  his  watchwords,  and  these  kept  in  view 
landed  him  safely  in  the  harbor  of  success. 

In  the  "City  of  Hills,"  May  10,  1859,  tne  nero  °^  our 
narrative  first  opened  his  eyes  to  the  light  of  this  world. 
His  father  was  a  slave,  the  chattel  of  a  Methodist  min- 
ister. 

The  elder  Crumbly  was  a  preacher  to  his  fellow-bonds- 
men, in  the  days  of  servitude,  and  after  the  war  he  en- 
gaged in  politics  for  a  time,  being  a  member  of  the  Con- 
stitutional Convention  of  1866,  and  of  several  successive 
legislatures. 

The  mother  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  a  free 
woman,  who,  just  before  the  war,  was  separated  from  her 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  61 

husband.  Then,  taking  her  son  with  her,  she  went  to 
Nashville,  Tenn.  The  wife  never  saw  the  husband 
again  as  she  died  in  1869.  After  the  mother's  death, 
young  Crumbly  was  brought  to  Atlanta  and  given  to  his 
grandparents. 

In  the  meantime,  his  father  having  learned  his  where- 
abouts came  for  him,  taking  him  under  his  own  protec- 
tion. The  first  teacher  of  young  Crumbly  was  the  Rev. 
George  Standing,  an  English  minister  of  the  M.  E. 
Church,  a  man  full  of  good  work  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
It  is  not  to  be  doubted  that  the  principles  and  goodly  ex- 
amples of  this  devoted  man  did  much  to  shape  and 
mould  the  character  of  Mr.  Crumbly. 

In  1876,  Floyd  was  eighteen  years  old  and  living  in 
Atlanta.  A  recruiting  officer  of  the  United  States  Army 
was  seeking  recruits  for  the  military  service,  and  young 
Crumbly  enlisted  for  a  period  of  five  years. 

From  Atlanta  he  was  carried  to  St.  Louis,  thence  to 
San  Antonio,  where  he  received  instruction  in  military 
tactics,  and  then  was  assigned  to  Company  I,  Tenth 
United  States  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Capt.  T.  A.  Bald- 
win, stationed  at  Fort  Richardson,  Texas.  Upon  ar- 
rival, he  was  appointed  lance  corporal,  which  position 'he 
held  six  months  ;  when  he  was  commissioned  as  corporal. 

At  the  expiration  of  two  years  he  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  sergeant.  This  was  at  Fort  Sill,  I.  T.  He 
was  then  appointed  clerk  of  his  company.  In  1880,  while 
stationed  at  Fort  Stockton,  Texas,  he  was  appointed  Ser- 
geant Major  of  white  and  colored  troops,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  F.  Wade,  now  Colonel  of  the 
Fourth  Cavalry.  Mr.  Crumbly  was  in  the  Victory  Cam- 
paign of  1880,  which  lasted  six  months,  commanded  by 
Generals  Grierson  and  Hatch.  He  was  discharged  at 
Fort  btockton  after  having  served  his  country  five  yeai  s 
of  honorable  and  acceptable  service. 


62  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

During  Mr.  Crumbly's  term  of  enlistment,  he  applied 
himself  to  study  and  acquired  a  first-rate  business  educa- 
tion. At  the  same  time  he  kept  up  a  correspondence 
with  Miss  Lula  Goldsmith,  whom  he  afterwards  married. 

Soon  after  his  return  from  the  army,  Mr.  Crumbly 
was  employed  by  Mr.  Charles  H.  Morgan,  who  was  at 
that  time  a  prosperous  grocer,  to  clerk  in  his  store  at  a 
salary  of  five  dollars  a  week.  He  remained  in  the  em- 
ploy of  Mr.  Morgan  for  some  years,  and  then  resolved  to 
go  into  business  for  himself.  This  was  a  bold  resolve, 
and  to  many  it  seemed  rash. 

He  was  altogether  without  resources.  His  good  name 
and  sober  habits  secured  for  him  $300  worth  of  goods 
on  credit.  With  only  ten  dollars,  with  which  he  paid  the 
first  month's  rent  for  the  building  in  which  he  placed  the 
goods  above  mentioned,  he  entered  into  the  business  of 
a  grocer.  His  earnestness,  honest  business  integrity  and 
energy  soon  drew  to  him  a  good  line  of  customers.  Bus- 
iness prospered,  and  at  the  end  of  six  months  Mr.  Crum- 
bly began  to  buy  the  place  he  had  been  renting. 

In  eighteen  months  he  had  finished  paying  for  the 
place,  and  began  to  buy  the  place  next  door.  These 
places  are  on  Wheat  street,  one  of  the  principal  thor- 
oughfares of  the  city.  On  one  of  these  lots  he  has  erected 
a  handsome  two-story  building.  His  trade  has  grown 
rapidly,  and  his  stock  of  goods  has  increased  in  propor- 
tion, until  now  he  has  a  stock  of  $1,500,  or  $2,000.  Mr. 
Crumbly  ascribes  no  small  part  of  his  success  to  the 
economy,  devotion  and  sacrifice  of  his  wife,  who  never 
failed  to  rejoice  with  him  in  his  prosperity,  and  to  sym- 
pathize and  counsel  with  him  "in  his  struggle.  With  his 
-wife  he  spent  time  happily  and  pleasantly,  till  the  mes- 
senger Death  claimed  her  for  his  own,  and  left  him  in 
sorrow  and  sadness. 

The  death  of  Mrs.  Crumbly  occurred  October  i,  1892, 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  63 

and  was  as  an  electric  shock  to  her  large  circle  of  friends, 
who  feel  deeply  her  absence  from  their  midst.  In  1890 
he  associated  himself  with  Messrs.  H.  A.  Rucker,  J.  T. 
Schell,  J.  N.  Blackshear  and  Alex.  Hamilton  in  the  or- 
ganization of  the  Georgia  Real  Estate  Loan  and  Trust 
Company,  of  which  H.  A.  Rucker  is  President,  and  Mr. 
Crumbly  is  Secretary.  Under  these  able  men,  this  com- 
pany has  prospered  and  controls  more  than  twenty-five 
thousand  dollars  worth  of  Atlanta's  valuable  soil.  Sub- 
sequently at  the  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Free- 
masons of  Georgia,  held  at  Augusta,  he  proposed  the 
very  successful  plan  of  a  relief  association  for  the  benefit 
of  the  poor  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  brethren  of 
the  order.  He  also  has  been  Secretary  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  more  than  eight  years,  and  aided  in  the  adop- 
tion of  its  present  code  of  laws.  In  1892,  the  Penny 
Savings  Bank  of  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  in  selecting  its 
directors,  could  decide  upon  no  better  choice  from  this 
city,  than  Mr.  Crumbly  :  and  he  was  chosen  one  of  the 
directors.  This  banking  house  is  prosperous  and  reflects 
credit  upon  the  Negro's  financial  ability.  Later  he  was 
appointed  by  the  Governor  of  the  State  of  Georgia,  Ad- 
jutant of  Lieutenent-Colonel  Thomas  Grants'  Staff.  He 
possesses  great  military  ability,  and  as  such  a  man  is  ac- 
knowledged by  all  as  having  no  equal.  Mr.  Crumbly  is 
Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Carrie  Steele 
Logan  Orphanage  of  this  city,  and  the  founder  of  the 
Negro  Historical  Society  of  Atlanta,  which  body  has 
charge  of  the  Emancipation  exercises  etc.,  etc.  Well 
might  North  Geogia  be  proud  of  such  a  son. 

Mr.  Crumbly  has  acquired  considerable  real  estate  and 
as  a  business  man  he  cannot  be  surpassed.  He  is  gen- 
tlemanly and  courteous,  pleasant  and  affable.  The  "Gate 
City"  of  the  South  should  be  grateful  to  her  sister  "City 
of  Hills,"  for  giving  to  her  one  so  worthy  of  esteem,  so 
charitable  and  so  honorable  as  Floyd  H.  Crumbly. 


64  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

J.  ROBERT  DAVIS, 

ATTORNEY  AT  LAW. 

J.  Robert  Davis,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  at 
Lagrange,  Troupe  county,  Ga.,  A.  D.  1867.  Hu  parents 
came  to  Atlanta  in  1871,  bringing  with  them  their  son 
Robert,  who  was  then  in  his  fourth  year.  So  soon  as 
Robert  arrived  at  a  sufficient  age,  he  was  placed  in  the 
Storrs  School,  which  was  then  under  the  unequalled 
regime  of  Miss  Amy  Williams,  of  Rochester,  N.  Y. 
After  completing  the  course  of  study  at  Storrs,  Robert 
was  admitted  into  the  junior  preparatory  class  of  the  At- 
lanta University.  By  this  time  his  young  mind  began  to 
appreciate  the  meaning  and  value  of  study,  and,  he  en- 
tered upon  the  study  of  the  higher  branches  with  zest ; 
so  forcibly^  was  he  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
knowledge,  that  he  eclipsed  all  his  classmates  by  passing 
from  the  junior  preparatory  class  to  the  senior  prepara- 
tory, thus  gaining  a  whole  year  by  skipping  the  middle 
preparatory  class. 

At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  was  fitted  for  college. 
Desiring  the  benefit  of  travel,  he  decided  to  go  North, 
to  complete  his  college  education.  He  went  to  Lincoln 
University,  Chester  County,  Penn.,  October,  1884. 

Arriving  at  Lincoln,  he  was  exatnined,  after  which  he 
entered  the  junior  college  class.  Having  come  from  the 
senior  preparatory  class  of  a  Southern  school,  his  admis- 
sion to  the  junior  college  class  of  a  Northern  institution, 
nonplused  him,  and  not  desiring  to  be  an  A.B.  at  so 
early  an  age,  he  left  Lincoln  University  after  spending 
about  three  months  there,  for  a  college  with  a  higher 
curriculum,  selecting  Howard  University  at  Washington, 
D.  C. 


ROBERT    FABMER. 


J.   S.   RIVERS    HOUSE. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  65 

In  January,  1885,  he  registered  in  the  freshman  class 
of  Howard  University,  college  department. 

He  passed  through  the  college  department  to  within 
five  months  of  completing  the  senior  year,  when  there 
arose,  between  the  class  and  the  faculty,  some  discrep- 
ancy in  which  he  would  not  yield.  So  rather  than 
sacrifice  his  individuality  by  yielding  to  the  faculty's  de- 
mands, he  left  his  class  and  went  to  Fernandina,  Fla., 
where  he  took  charge  of  the  public  school  of  that  city. 

In  the  autumn  of  '89  he  matriculated  in  the  Law  De- 
partment of  the  University  of  Michigan.  Here  he 
began  to  prepare  himself  for  actual  warfare  in  this  race 
of  life. 

In  June,  1891,  he  received  the  degree,  LL.  D.  Im- 
mediately on  receiving  his  diploma,  he  turned  his  head 
southward  as  the  only  field  for  his  success  in  his  pro- 
fession. 

In  September,  1891,  he  applied  for  admission  to  the 
bar  of  Atlanta.  After  passing  a  rigid  examination  before 
the  Hon.  Marshall  J.  Clarke,  the  court  ordered  that  his 
license  be  given  him. 

Mr.  Davis  has,  for  a  young  man  of  his  age,  travelled 
extensively,  having  visited  every  State  and  Territory-  in 
the  Union.  He  has  also  visited  the  British  Isles  and  the 
continent  of  Europe,  and  has  set  foot  upon  the  soil  of 
France,  Belgium,  Holland,  Germany,  Switzerland  and 
Western  Austria. 

This  young  man  of  whom  I  now  write  is  intelligent 
and  able,  besides  full  of  energy  and  pluck. 

He  is  destined  to  make  his  mark  in  this  life  among  his 
people. 


66  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

MISS    HATTIE    M.    STURD1VANT, 

SCHOOL-TEACHER. 


In  Walton  county,  Ga.,  in  the  little  town  of  Monroe, 
March  7,  1872,  was  born  to  Eli  and  Martha  Stur- 
divant  their  only  daughter,  Hattie.  With  her  childish 
prattle  and  winsome  ways,  she  was  the  joy  of  the  house- 
hold, as  well  as  the  pet  of  the  neighbors.  So  soon  as  she 
was  old  enough  she  was  sent  to  school. 

Hattie  made  rapid  progress  in  her  studies,  and  her 
parents,  desiring  to  give  her  better  educational  advan- 
tages than  their  little  town  afforded,  moved  to  Atlanta, 
in  the  year  1880. 

In  this  city,  whose  educational  facilities  are  unsur- 
passed, they  could  educate  their  two  children,  their  son 
and  daughter  Hattie,  as  they  desired.  Hattie  was  sent 
to  a  school  taught  in  the  basement  of  Bethel  A.  M.  E. 
Church,  while  her  brother  attended  another.  Being  dili- 
gent in  study,  she  was  soon  promoted  to  higher  classes. 
Her  teacher  then  was  the  gentle,  and  amiable,  and  com- 
petent instructor,  Miss  Elizabeth  Easley  (Holmes). 

During  the  summer  of  '82  a  building  was  erected  on 
W.  Mitchell  street.  This  was  the  Mitchell  Street  School, 
arid  in  September  of  the  same  year,  Hattie  entered  this 
school  where  for  four  years  she  received  instruction. 
While  a  pupil  there,  she  took  the  examination  for  county 
schools  and  secured  second  grade  license.  Now  it  was 
that  her  father's  health  began  to  fail  rapidly,  but  through 
the  inflexible  zeal  of  the  mother  the  children  were  kept 
in  school. 

.  In  the  fall  of  '86  Miss  Hattie  became  a  student  of  the 
Atlanta  University,  where  she  continued  her  studies  till 
May,  1892,  when  she  graduated  with  high  honors. 

While   an  inmate  of  the   Atlanta  University  she  ac- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  67 

cepted  Christ  as  her  Saviour  and  helper  and  friend  ;  and 
she  now  lives  the  true,  pure  life  of  a  Christian. 

She  says  that  since  she  has  given  herself  to  the  Lord 
her  work  seems  easier,  her  life  is  happier:  and  you  who 
have  experienced  the  love  of  Christ  can  but  acquiesce, 
for  "He  maketh  the  crooked  ways  straight,"  and  "  with- 
holdeth  no  good  things  from  them  that  walk  uprightly." 

Miss  Hattie  first  began  teaching  by  assisting  Mr.  B.  F. 
Smith.  She  has  since  conducted  with  success  her  schools 
alone. 

She  united  with  the  Friendship  Baptist  Church,  was 
baptized  by  the  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter,  and  is  an  ardent 
worker  in  the  Sunday-school. 

Miss  Hattie  is  a  lady  of  an  amiable  disposition,  gentle, 
refined  and  modest. 


REV.     ROBERT     L.     DAROEN, 

ABLE  MINISTER   OF   THE   GOSPEL. 

Among  the  young  divines  of  this  day  who^iave  bat- 
tled with  many  hardships,  overcome  many  obstacles  and 
are  now  doing  great  and  good  service  in  the  Master's 
vineyard,  no  one  of  them  is  more  prominent  than  he  of 
whom  these  words  are  written.  His  parents  were  for- 
merly slaves,  and  at  the  time  of  his  advent  into  this  life, 
were  in  very  poor  circumstances;  but  owing  to  perse- 
verance and  will-power  contrived  to  send  young  Robert 
to  school  during  a  small  portion  of  the  year.  Thus  his 
.first  years  were  spent  on  the  farm  and  in  the  village 
school.  Early  in  life  there  could  be  discovered  in  him 
signs  of  speech-making  and  oratory,  which  signs  devel- 
oped as  he  advanced  in  years,  until  they  have  reached  a 


ti8  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

point  which  now  determines  our  subject  to  be  an  influen- 
tial pulpit  orator.  He  encountered  many  difficulties,  and 
because  of  his  father's  limited  means  more  than  once 
was  the  fond  hope  of  one  day  attending  a  better  school 
destroyed  and  scattered  as  the  wind  does  the  chaff. 
However,  the  time  finally  came,  when  he  was  given  the 
privilege  to  make  his  own  way  through  life;  and,  know- 
ing that  without  education  for  a  guide  and  helper,  he 
could  not  be  prepared  for  life's  battles,  made  his  way 
first  to  that  grand  old  camp  where  religion  and  knowl- 
edge go  hand  in  hand,  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary. 

At  the  time  of  his  entering  his  worldly  effects  may  be 
summed  up  thus  .  One  suit  of  clothing,  one  pair  of  shoes, 
one  hat,  and  six  dollars  in  cash.  After  being  in  school 
about  three  months,  finding  himself  financially  embar- 
rassed, he  left  and  began  the  work  of  teaching,  by 
which  he  was  enabled  to  re-enter  school  at  the  opening 
of  the  next  term. 

So,  by  teaching  during  the  vacation  months,  he  re- 
mained in  school  till  he  completed  his  course  of  study. 
In  1 888,  realizing  that  he  was  called  to  the  ministry,  and 
deeming  jt  unwise  to  enter  so  great  a  field  without  more 
biblical  instruction,  he  re-entered  the  Seminary  and  took 
a  thorough  course  of  theology,  under  the  efficient  pres- 
ident of  the  institution,  Dr.  Graves.  In  1890  he  finished 
this  study,  and  after  his" ordination,  became  the  pastor  of 
a  church  at  Fairburn,  Ga.  The  people  of  this  place 
were  not  slow  to  find  out  that  they  had  a  good  leader  in 
the  person  of  Rev.  Darden,  and  soon  the  membership, 
as  well  as  the  congregation,  increased  rapidly. 

.  Rev.  Darden's  next  charge  was  the  First  Baptist 
Church,  of  Marietta,  Ga.  When  he  first  accepted  this 
work  the  church  edifice  was  unfinished,  as  it  had  been 
for  quite  a  number  of  years.  More  experienced  minis- 
ters than  he  had  left  the  work  incomplete,  and  the  mem- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  69 

bers  to  suffer.  Deacons  had  become  impatient,  and  all 
was  at  a  standstill  till  he  took  charge  of  the  work.  By 
his  labor  and  wise  judgment  the  work  was  pushed  for- 
ward to  completion,  and  to-day  the  edifice,  completed  at 
the  cost  of  three  thousand  dollars,  stands  as  a  monument 
to  Rev.  Darden's  untiring  zeal.  It  is  the  oldest  Baptist 
church  in  North  Georgia,  and  has  a  membership  and  con- 
gregation of  which  any  pastor  might  well  be  proud.  He 
has  delivered  able  sermons  before  the  different  Associa- 
tions in  the  State, but  he  proved  himself  equal  to  any 
pulpit  emergency  when  he  delivered  the  conventional 
sermon  before  the  Sunday-school  Baptist  Convention, 
held  at  Macon,  Ga.,  1892,  which  sermon  was  ordered 
by  the  Convention  to  be  published  in  all  the  colored  jour- 
nals of  the  State.  He  married  Miss  Daphne  P.  Knox, 
ex-student  of  Atlanta  University,  who  is  refined  and 
gentle,  and  who  teaches  in  the  public  schools  of  Marietta. 
Rev.  Darden  is  a  member  of  the  Executive  Board  of  the 
State  Baptist  Convention  and  a  life-member  of  the  For- 
eign Mission  Convention  of  the  United  States.  He  has 
a  beautiful  home  in  the  city  of  Atlanta,  and  also  a  pro- 
ductive farm  in  Meriwether  county,  Ga.  He  is  a 
worthy  young  man,  an  advocate  and  defender  of  the 
denomination  with  which  he  is  identified.  He  is  the  sec- 
ond son  of  Noah  and  kucy  Darden,  and  was  born  in 
Meriwether  county,  Ga.,  February  2d,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1865, 


70  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

MR.  WILLIAM  C.  ROSETTE, 

KEAL   ESTATE   AND  KEN  TING  AGENT. 

The  young  man  whose  name  adorns  this  sketch  is  one 
of  Atlanta's  thrifty,  enterprising,  adopted  sons.  He  is  of 
a  bright  intellect  and  keen  business  perception.  Few 
men  would  prove  more  serviceable,  to  the  Black  Side,  in 
this  line  of  business  of  which  the  undaunted  spirit  of  this 
young  man  will  make  a  success. 

The  Negroes,  in  the  days  of  slavery,  used  to  pray  that 
the  time  would  come  when  they  would  have  men  of  their 
own  race  prepared  to  lead,  conduct  and  foster  lines  of 
business  for  themselves.  Providence,  by  the  use  of  hu- 
man agency,  has  answered  those  prayers,  and  we  now 
have  the  men.  But  sometimes,  because  of  the  lack  of 
confidence  and  trust  imposed  in  them,  by  the  very  ones 
who  prayed,  I  am  made  to  wonder  if  these  men  be  not 
in  advance  of  those  prayers.  The  men  are  here,  pre- 
pared and  ready,  but  it  is  a  sad  fact  that  the  race  is  not 
supporting  them  as  it  should.  The  co-operation  of  the 
race  is  essential  to  the  success  of  the  members  of 
that  race.  The  success  of  the  business  into  which  this 
young  man  has  entered  depends  upon  the  people,  and 
that  success  is  only  gained  in  this  way,  viz.:  Those 
among  us  who  have  houses  to  rent,  lands  to  sell,  should 
put  them  into  the  hands  of  our  own  agents,  that  the  per- 
centage which  would  make  the  men  of  other  races  inde- 
pendent might  make  the  men  of  our  own.  race  equally 
so.  Mr.  Rosette  was  born  in  the  classic  city  of  Athens, 
Gat.-,  1865.  His  early  days  were  spent  in  a  private 
school.  Later,  he  attended  the  Knox  Institute  of  that 
city.  His  first  manner  of  making  a  living  was  school- 
teaching,  which  he  pursued  several  years;  after  which 
he  engaged  in  grocery-keeping.  Desiring  to  see  some- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  71 

thing  of  nature  before  settling  and  taking  unto  himself  a 
wife,  he  sought  and  obtained  employment  over  one  of  the 
prominent  railroads,  and,  selling  his  property  all  but  two 
very  desirable  lots,  traveled  for  three  years  through  many 
of  the  States  of  the  Union. 

After  having  this  taste  of  nature,  he  returned  to  his 
home,  where  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emma  Eva  Carey, 
a  former  belle  of  Atlanta. 

Soon  after  their  marriage,  by  request  of  his  wife,  they 
moved  to  Atlanta,  in  which  city  Mr.  Rosette  is  engaged  in 
the  aforesaid  business;  and,  it  is  hoped,  that  the  Black 
Side  of  this  city  will  give  him  the  patronage  which  a 
struggling  son  deserves.  He  is  pleasant  in  manner,  con- 
genial and  affable,  and  with  the  combined  efforts  of  the 
Negroes  of  this  city  Mr.  Rosette  will  prove  an  honor  to 
the  race. 


AUGUSTUS  THOMPSON,  F.  L.  T.  AND  M.  V.  P., 

MASTER  BLACKSMITH. 

,.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Jackson,  Miss., 
on  July  8,  1837.  His  mother  was  a  slave,  but  his  father 
was  a  freeman.  His  mother,  Minerva  Lee,  with  four 
children,  including  himself,  were  willed  to  a  Mr.  Julius 
Sappho,  of  Madison,  Ga.  So  in  1840  they  were  moved 
to  Madison,  The  father,  being  a  freeman,  could  not  ac- 
company his  wife  and  children,  because  the  removal  of 
a  freeman  to  another  State  caused  him  to  be  enslaved. 
Thus  the  mother  and  children  were  separated  from  the 
father. 

The  early  life  of  our  subject  was  quietly  spent.  Edu- 
cation was  denied  slaves,  and  his  chances  to  gain  knowl- 
edge were  poor  indeed.  However,  he  had  a  good  chance 


72  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

to  develop  his  muscles.  In  1855  ^e  was  apprenticed  to 
the  blacksmith  trade,  which  he  served  faithfully  during 
his  apprenticeship  of  six  years,  when  he  was  considered 
as  a  master  of  his  profession. 

His  first  work  was  at  Lexington,  Ga.,  as  a  journey- 
man, after  which  he  was  employed  at  Athens  by  the 
Confederate  Gun  Factory  Company,  where  he  made  guns 
for  the  Confederacy.  These  guns  were  used  in  the  late 
war.  He  was  under  Major  Ferdinand  Cook. 

In  1863  he  was  detailed  under  Colonel  Raines,  and 
sent  to  Augusta,  Ga.,  to  iron  off  gun  carriages  of  artil- 
lery in  the  Augusta  Machine  Works .  Here  he  was  em- 
ployed until  emancipated  through  the  influence  of  the 
noble  Abraham  Lincoln. 

In  1865  he  worked  as  blacksmith  for  the  Augusta 
Cotton  Factory,  and  the  following  year  married  a  Miss 
Lorie  Ann  Jones,  who  proved  a  true  and  devoted  wife, 
and  with  whom  he-  lived  happily  till  her  death,  which  oc- 
curred 1888.  During  their  union  there  were  no  children 
given  them. 

From  1866  to  1870  Mr.  Thompson  worked  incessantly 
for  the  Georgia  Railroad  in  one  or  more  places.  At  bne 
time  worked  in  Augusta  under  Colonel  Frost  and  Mr. 
McDuffie  as  car-builder,  ironing  off  passenger  coaches. 
He  next  removed  to  Union  Point,  Ga.,  where  he  was 
blacksmith  of  that  entire  line  of  railroad. 

In  1870,  desiring  to  better  his  condition,  he  came  to 
Atlanta,  and  soon  obtained  work  in  the  State  road  shops 
as  a  boiler  manufacturer,  where  he  remained  during  the 
Messrs.  Bullock  and  Blodgett  management  of  that  road. 
When  the  road  was  leased  to  Jos.  E.  Brown  he  was  sus- 
pended. 

Not  being  satisfied  without  employment,  Mr.  Thomp- 
son began  a  business  for  himself,  which  he  has  ever  since 
pursued  both  profitably  and  creditably  to  himself.  By 


REV.   ROBERT  L.   DARDEN. 


AUGUSTUS  THOMPSON. 


REV.   W.   M.    FINCH. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  73 

hard  work  and  temperate  habits  he  has  realized  a  snug 
little  fortune,  and  is  well  prepared  for  rainy  days.  He 
does  business  on  South  Pryor  street,  rear  of  No.  69. 

Being  thoroughly  acquainted  with  his  trade,  and  ren- 
dering satisfaction  to  all  patroriizers,  he  is  never  without 
a  pretty  good  supply  of  work.  May  he  continue  in  the 
path  of  success. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1870  Mr.  Thompson  met 
a  Mr.  James  Lowndes  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  who  was  a 
member  of  the  order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  who  had  a 
"general  law"  governing  the  order  of  the  G.  U.  O.  of 
O.  F.  They  conversed  together  concerning  Odd  Fellow - 
ism.  Mr.  Thompson  became  deeply  interested  in  it. 
Ideas  were  exchanged,  plans  were  arranged,  and  the  or- 
ganizing, through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Thompson,  of  the 
first  colored  lodge  of  Odd  Fellows  in  the  Empire  State 
of  the  South  was  the  result.  He  next  organized  a  lodge 
at  Marietta,  then  one  at  Dalton,  Ga.,  and  from  these  have 
sprung  many  other  lodges. 

It  is  with  pride  and  pleasure  that  Mr.  Thompson  re- 
calls those  days,  and  now  looks  upon  the  result  of  his 
work.  Ah,  verily  we  reap  what  we  sow.  These  grand 
institutions  have  done  much  toward  helping  and  uplifting 
the  Negro  race,  He,  is  still  a  member  and  trustee  of  the 
oldest  lodge  in  this  State. 

The  enterprising  spirit  of  this  man  would  not  permit 
him  to  be  satisfied  with  a  mere  organization.  He  de- 
sired more — a  home  for  this  organization — so  he  brought 
the  matter  before  the  Assembly,  which  discussed  it  fully, 
finally  deciding  in  favor  of  Mr.  Thompson's  plans  for  a 
home,  and  now,  through  his  influence,  stands  a  fine  four- 
story  brick  building,  which  should  reflect  credit  on  any 
race,  and  is  an  ornament  to  any  city.  To  show  their  ap- 
preciation of  the  founder,  this  lodge  has  made  him  an 


74  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

honorary  member,  and  this  but  extends  to  him  the  de- 
served merit.  ' 

Mr.  Thompson  is  a  man  who  deals  squarely  and  hon- 
estly with  and  by  his  fellow-men,  and  commands  the  re- 
spect of  both  races. 

In  1889  he  was  happily  wedded  to  Miss  Katie  Mc- 
Clendon,  in  whom  he  finds  a  helpmate  true,  and  who 
shares  his  cares  and  happiness  with  him. 

In  September,  1892,  he  was  converted  and  united  with 
the  A.  M.  E.  Church  under  the  present  pastor,  Rev. 
Larry  Thomas. 

Mr.  Thompson  is  a  Christian  man,  a  law-abiding  citi- 
zen, and  a  true  friend  to  his  race.  His  neat  and  comfort- 
able home  is  on  Connally  street,  No.  157.  May  God's- 
choicest  blessings  rest  upon  all  such  good  and  useful  men. 


REV.  WILLIAM  FINCH, 

EX-CITY  COUNCILMAN— PREACHER— TAILOR. 

No  citizen  of  the  city  of  Atlanta  is  better  known  than 
the  one  whose  name  appears  at  the  top  of  this  page.  All 
who  have  known  him  have  felt  themselves  honored  by 
the  acquaintance. 

That  part  of  life  over  which  he  has  passed  has  been  an 
inspiration  for  good  to  many  a  youth.  To  say  that  he  is 
a  benefactor  of  the  race  is  putting  it  mildly.  No  one  has 
ever  sought  his  sympathy  and  received  it  not.  None 
have  ever,  in  time  of  distress  or  trouble,  applied  to  this 
man  for  assistance,  financial  or  otherwise,  and  been  denied 
or  turned  away  unaided. 

Small  in  stature,  yet  in  his  bosom  rests  a  magnanimous 
heart.  He  bears  malice  toward  none,  and  has  chanty  for 
all.  Even  in  those  "  cruel  days,"  to  his  oppressors  he 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  7£ 

was  ever  kind  and  obliging.  In  those  trying  times,  when 
the  enemy,  while  fighting  to  bind  more  tightly  the  chains  of 
servitude,  became  wounded,  with  his  own  hands  would 
William  dress  their  wounds,  administer  to  their  wants, 
and  soothe  their  sorrows.  Besides  exhibiting  the  gran- 
deur Of  his  soul  in  thismanner,  he  was  often  the  instru- 
ment of  saving  for  his  master,  and  sometimes  others, 
much  of  their  gold,  silver  and  valuables.  He  tells  many 
interesting  anecdotes  of  war  times,  which  with  his  per- 
mission the  writer  would  be  glad  to  record. 

This  worthy  man  was  born  in  the  county  of  Wilkes,  at 
Washington,  Ga.,  during  the  days  of  servitude,  and 
of  a  slave  mother.  At  the  age  of  twelve  he  went  to  live 
with  Judge  Andrews,  in  the  same  county.  He  stayed 
with  Judge  Andrews  four  years,  at  the  expiration  of 
which  he  went  to  Athens  to  stay  with  Chief  Justice  J.  H. 
Lumpkin.  This  was  the  year  1848.  Spending  several 
years  in  the  employ  of  Mr.  Lumpkin,  he  afterward  went 
to  the  war,  where  he  passed  through  the  hottest  of  the 
struggle.  Returning,  he  again  made  his  abode  with 
Judge  Andrews  and  remained  with  him  till  the  strife 
ended,  a  result  whereof  was  the  liberation  of  six  million 
slaves.  In  gratitude  to  the  Union  army  for  his  freedom, 
Mr.  Finch  made  a  beautiful  United  States  flag  which  he 
presented  to  the  I44th  New  York  Regiment. 

He  was  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  and  elevation 
of  his  people,  and  having,  by  his  own  efforts  and  assist- 
ance from  his  former  owners,  acquired  some  education, 
he  resolved  to  do  what  he  could  toward  instructing  them. 
Accordingly  he  opened  and  taught  the  first  school  for  the 
Negro  in  that  part  of  the  State. 

In  1854  ne  married  Miss  JLaura  Wright,  with  whom 
he  passed  life  happily  till  1876,  when  death  severed  the 
union.  He  was  apprenticed  to  the  tailor's  trade  at  the 
age  of  fifteen,  and  becoming  an  efficient  tailor,  in  1866  he 


76  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

went  to  Augusta,  Ga.,  to  engage  in  the  business.  He 
remained  in  Augusta  two  years,  when,  hoping  to  bet- 
ter his  financial  affairs,  he  came  to  Atlanta,  and,  with  Mr. 
Danwell  Brydie  as  partner,  opened  business  in  this  city. 
He  came  to  Atlanta  fifty  dollars  in  debt  and  with  six  chil- 
dren whose  support  rested  entirely  upon  him.  By.sobri- 
ety  and  close  attention  to  business  he  soon  canceled  the 
debt,  educated  his  children,  and  besides  purchased  a  por- 
tion of  land  on  what  is  now  the  beautiful  Edgewood 

O  ' 

avenue,  on  which  he  erected  a  cosy  cottage,  now  worth 
$6,000. 

In  1881  he  married  Miss  Minnie  Vason,  of  Madison, 
Ga.,  who  is  charming  in  manner  and  appearance. 

Mr.  Finch  was  at  one  time  a  member  of  the  city 
council,  the  only  Negro  who  has  ever  enjoyed  that  honor 
in  this  city.  While  a  memoer  he  used  every  effort  to 
bring  about  a  state  of  affairs  by  which  his  people  could  be 
benefited.  He  was  the  originator  of  the  plan  to  have 
public  schools  for  Negro  children,  and  after  the  establish- 
ment of  the  same  he  was  the  first  to  agitate  the  query: 
Should  the  whites  teach  the  Negro  children,  while  among 
the  Negroes  were  able,  competent  teachers?  Every  res- 
ident of  our  city  is  aware  of  the  result.  Every  public 
school  in  the  city  for  Negro  children  is  supplied  with 
Negro  instructors.  Of  course  Mr.  Finch  met  much  op- 
position, and  at  times  the  desired  result  was  almost  de- 
spaired of;  but  his  untiring  energy  failed  him  not,  and 
at  last  his  labor  was  rewarded. 

In  July,  1848,  he  was  converted,  joined  the  African 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  under  Rev.  Samuel  Antony, 
and  has  from  that  time  onward  been  a  faithful  worker  in 
the  church  and  cause  of  Christ.  March  15,  1868,  he  was 
ordained  to  the  ministry  by  Bishops  Alexander  and  Way- 
man.  Lastly,  he  was  ordained  as  elder  of  the  African 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  77 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  by  Bishop  T.  M.  D.  Ward, 
May  9,  1876. 

The  eventful  and  successful  career  of  this  man  is  well 
worth  perusal.  He  ascribes  much  of  his  success  -in  his 
business  life  to  the  conversations  which  used  many  years 
ago  to  occur  between  himself  and  Chief  Justice  Lumpkin 
while  he  lived  at  Athens  in  the  Justice's  service.  Many  a 
night  until  the  clock  would  strike  the  midnight  hour  they 
would  be  conversing,  consulting  and  advising  with  each 
other. 

He  was  always  fond  of  horses  and  has  for  several 
years  owned  fine  ones.  He  tells  a  little  anecdote  con- 
cerning his  being  able  to  keep  them.  Riding  along  the 
streets  one  day  he  was  asked  by  a  white  friend: 

"  How  is  it,  Finch,  that  you  are  able  to  keep  horses  to 
ride  while  I  have  to  walk!" 

To  which  Mr.  Finch  replied  in  this  language : 

"Do  you  drink  beer,  etc.,  smoke,  chew  tobacco;  and 
if  so,  how  much  does  the  use  "of  them  cost  you?" 

Receiving  yes  to  his  questions,  he  again  remarked: 

"  /  do  neither.  This  is  why  I  am  able  to  keep  horses  to 
ride.  The  money  you  spend  foolishly  for  such  things  I 
save.  Do  likewise  and  you  too  can  ride." 

He  is  a  great  temperance  advocate,  an  honor  to  the 
race,  and  the  pride  of  his  church. 


MR.  FRANK  T.  HOWARD, 

SUCCESSFUL  UNDERTAKEK  AND  EMBALMER. 

Atlanta  is  behind  in  nothing.  Within  her  broad  limits 
every  industry,  trade,  business  enterprise  and  profession, 
and  everything  it  takes  to  make  a  city,  are  to  be  found. 
In  the  line  of  business  of  which  I  now  write  she  is  sur- 


78  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

passed  by  no  city,  and  in  this  business  here  of  the  Black 
Side  no  one  is  more  noted  than  the  young  man  whose 
name  is  written  above  this  article.  He  is  the  eldest  son 
of  the  well-known  David  T.  Howard,  of  this  city,  and 
was  born  December  10,  A.  D.  1871,  in  Atlanta,  Ga. 
At^  the  age  of  seven  young  Howard  was  sent  to  the 
Storrs  School,  which  he  attended  till  he  finished  the 
course  of  study  there,  which  he  did  at  the  age  of  four- 
teen. 

Then  he  entered  the  college  preparatory  at  Atlanta 
University,  and  when  he  reached  his  seventeenth  year 
was  prepared  for  the  college  course.  He  continued  in 
college  till  he  finished  the  freshman  year.  He  also  at- 
tended the  Knowles  Industrial  School,  connected  with 
the  University,  and  acquired  the  skilled  use  of  tools. 
Desiring  to  put  into  practice  this  valuable  knowledge  ob- 
tained at  Knowles,  he  left  school  and  associated  himself 
in  business  with  his  father,  and  to  the  father  the  son  is 
indispensable.  He  manufactures  and  manages  the  man- 
ufacturing of  most  of  his  fine  caskets  and  coffins,  some 
of  which  equal  those  made  at  the  factories  of  the  North. 
Young  Howard  has  the  reputation  of  being  the  fastest 
coffin  trimmer  in  Atlanta.  He  has  been  known  to  make, 
paint  and  trim  a  hospital  case  in  one  hour. 

He  is  also  a  skillful  embalmer,  and  embalms  for  the 
"State  Anatomical  Board  of  Georgia."  He  is  success- 
ful in  his  business,  numbering  his  subjects  by  the  scores. 

Aside  from  the  more  solemn  works  of  life,  he  is  very 
fond  of  athletic  sports.  During  the  season  of  1892  Mr. 
Howard  very  successfully  managed  a  baseball  team, 
which  played  in  several  Southern  cities  under  his  direc- 
tion. He  is  the  possessor  of  a  very  fine-blooded  trotting 
horse,  which  has  made  a  fine  record.  Mrs.  Ella  B. 
Howard,  the  mother  of  this  young  man,  is  a  charitable, 
Christian  lady,  and  devotes  much  of  her  time  to  charita. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  79 

fole  and  temperance   work,  and  is   greatly  loved  by  all 
who  know  her. 

Mr.  Frank  Howard  is  a  young  man  of  fine  intellect, 
jovial  and  courteous,  and  is  in  good  -circumstances,  his 
father  having  accumulated  much  real  estate.  That  he 
may  live  many  years,  be  an  honor  to  his  race,  and  ascend 
the  ladder  of  fame,  is  the  earnest  wish  of  the  writer. 


REV.    M.   V.   WHITE. 

RISING  BAPTIST  DIVINE. 

This  'worthy  young  man  was  born  in  Upson  county, 
Ga.,  March  10,  1858.  Being  deprived  of  educational 
advantages  he  did  not  learn  the  alphabet  till  he  was  four- 
teen years  of  age. 

In  1877  he  went  to  Hampton,  Ga.,  where  he  was  em- 
ployed as  a  farm  laborer  for  the  salary  of  §6.00  per  month. 
His  employer  agreed  also  to  send  him  to  school  during 
the  three  months  term.  Young  White  was  very  studi- 
ous and  soon  learned  to  spell,  read  and  write.  He  next 
went  to  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  at  which  place  be  also  did  farm 
work. 

Being  the  son  of  a  good  Christian  woman  the  precepts 
taught  him  in  early  youth,  and  the  prayers  he  had  been 
wont  to  say  at  her  knees,  followed  him  through  boyhood 
to  manhood,  and  in  1880  Mr.  White  was  converted  and 
united  with  the  Baptist  Church.  During  the  same  year 
he  married  a  Miss  Vinie  Lawrence.  It  was  now  that 
Mr.  White  began  to  realize  that  there  was  a  higher 
sphere  for  him  to  fill — a  nobler  work  to  do.  From 
Jonesboro  he  moved  into  Atlanta,  and  soon  afterward  he 
felt  that  he  was  called  to  the  ministry.  To  better  pre- 


80  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

pare  himself  for  the  great  work  to  which  he  had  been 
called,  he  entered  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary  in  1-877, 
and  while  pursuing  his  studies  was  offered  the  pastorate 
of  a  church  in  this  city.  He  accepted  this,  and  under  his- 
wise,  good  guidance  many  souls  were  brought  to  Christ . 
He  was  next  principal  of  the  school  at  Tallapoosa,  Ga. 
Here  he  remained  till  called  to  a  church  at  Powder 
Springs,  Ga.  This  was  a  poor  charge,  but  through  the 
perseverance  and  patience  of  this  good  man,  the  work 
soon  revived  and  many  came  into  the  fold  of  Christ. 
He  also  at  this  place  erected  a  new  church  which  is  a 
credit  to  him  and  the  community  in  which  it  now  is. 

God  is  blessing  his  work  and  rewarding  his  labors  by 
adding  members  to  his  church. 

Rev.  White  is  still  attending  the  Seminary,  which  is  in 
proximity  to  both  of  his  charges,  one  being  at  West 
Point,  the  other  at  Powder  Springs,  Ga. 


REV.  WILLIAM  H.  TUGGLE, 

PULPIT  ORATOR— BAPTIST  LEADER. 

About  three  miles  west  of  Madison,  Morgan  county, 
Ga.,  standing  in  the  midst  of  an  extremely  poor  vicinity, 
is  an  old  farm-house  known  as  the  Bill  West  plantation. 
Here  on  the  25th  of  August,  A.  D.  1867,  William  H. 
Tuggle  first  saw  the  light  of  day.  His  early  life  was 
characteristic  of  honesty  and  frankness,  for  while  a 
youth  he  scorned  a  mean  act.  His  father  being  a  poor 
farmer,  William  was  obliged  to  work  hard  and  steadily 
while  quite  small. 

But  amidst  all  disadvantages  and  difficulties  he  perse- 
vered and  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  common  school  edu- 


FRANK  F.   HOWARD. 


REV.   M.   V.   WHITE. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  81 

cation.  Though  born  in  obscurity  and  poverty  he  was 
destined  some  day  to  become  a  leader  among  his  peo- 
ple. When  he  was  eleven  years  of  age  his  father  died, 
leaving  him  to  the  care  of  a  widowed  mother.  At  the 
time  of  his  father's  death  William  was  unconverted,  but 
this  death  so  affected  him  that  it  was  not  long  before  he 
sought  and  found  salvation  of  our  Lord. 

In  the  autumn  of  '78,  shortly  after  his  father's  death, 
he,  during  a  series  of  meetings  held  at  the  popular  New 
Enon  Church  was  converted,  and  received  the  holy  rite 
of  baptism  from  Rev.  Samuel  Cochran.  William  very 
soon  became  an  ardent  Sunday-school  worker  and  his 
untiring  zeal  knew  no  limit,  though  the  cyclonic  winds 
of  misfortune  and  trial  blew  hard  against  him. 

In  the  year  1885  he  was  united  in  holy  wedlock  to  the 
accomplished  Miss  Ollie  Coleman,  of  Eatonton,  Ga.,  in 
whom  he  finds  a  helpmeet  indeed. 

The  impression  during  his  early  life  that  he  must 
preach  the  word  of  God  grew  stronger  in  him  as  he  ad- 
vanced in  life,  so  finally  making  known  his  desire  to  the 
church  with  which  he  was  connected,  he  was  granted 
license,  and  began  his  work  in  the  fourth  district  of  the 
Shiloh  Association  as  Sunday-school  agent.  His  labors 
in  this  direction  proved  a  success.  He  was  next  called 
to  the  pastorate  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Monticello,  Ga ., 
where  he  rendered  faithful  service  till  called  to  the  Sand 
Hill  Baptist  Church  in  Putnam  county.  Here  he  was  a 
successful  leader  for  the  Baptist  army.  His  next  field 
of  labor  was  at  the  Henderson  Grove  Baptist  Church 
where  he  served  till  a  cry  came  down  from  Conyers, 
Ga.,  calling  for  his  service  at  that  place.  He  found  the 
baptists  at  that  place  far  behind  the  times,  but  this  only 
Simulated  him  the  more  to  labor,  and  he,  with  ni^e  ener- 
getic members,  went  zealously  to  work  and  soon  their  labor 


82.  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

was  rewarded  by  the  erection  of  a  neat  little  structure, 
which  cost  six  hundred  dollars,  and  that  amount  was  soon 
cancelled.  At  this  place  Rev.  Tuggle  baptized  many 
souls. 

Finally,  to  the  deep  regret  of  all  the  charge  he  re- 
signed. He  was  called  to  guide  the  Mt.  Zion  Church, 
at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  where  with  united  energy,' Christian  zeal, 
patience  and  ambition,  he  still  proclaims  in  oratorical 
tones  the  imperishable  word  of  God.  To  this  church, 
where  he  has  been  since  September  last,  he  has,  by  pray- 
ers and  his  wonderful  manner  of  preaching,  added  seventy- 
four  members.  It  is  said  of  him  that  he  has  a  voice  like 
a  silver  trumpet,  and  is  like  unto  one  of  the  sweet  sing- 
ers of  Israel. 


REV.  RUFUS  H.  HOUSTON, 

HONOEED  CITIZEN,  USEFUL  DEACON. 

Savannah,  the  picturesque  city  by  the  sea,  is  the  p'ace 
of  nativity  of  the  one  whose  name  heads  this  narrative. 
He  was  born  in  the  year  1845,  and  when  very  young  was 
carried  to  Jackson  countv,  Ga.  His  early  life  was 
spent  like  that  of  most  slaves.  At  the  age  of  eleven 
years  he  was  sold  to  one  John  Holliday,  with  whom  he 
lived  until  the  emancipation.  In  1864  he  married  a  Miss 
Frances  Schell,  of  Athens,  Ga.  She  died  in  1876. 
During  the  same  year  he  entered  the  service  of  Major 
Campbell  Wallace.  The  same  year  of  his  marriage  he 
professed  a  hope  in  the  Lord,  and  was  baptized  by  the 
late  Rev.  Francis  Quarles.  Like  the  most  of  his  fellow- 
brethren,  at  the  close  of  the  war,  Brother  Houston  had 
almost  nothing,  his  possessions  amounting  to  six  dollars 
in  silver;  and  the  thought  which  troubled  him  most  was, 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  83 

what  must  he  do  with  those  six  dollars.  He  could  not 
definitely  decide,  so  he  laid  them  away  and  began  work- 
ing for  Major  Wallace,  receiving  as  wages  thirteen 
dollars  per  month.  Taking  out  a  small  portion  upon 
which  to  live,  he  saved  all  the  rest,  and  by  the  time  there 
was  a  bank  established,  he  had  quite  a  handsome  sum  to 
deposit.  Thus  he  became  a  member  of  the  bank,  which 
progressed  finely  for  a  time,  when  finally  it  failed,  and 
Mr.  Houston  found  that  he  was  no  better  off  financially 
than  when  he  first  employed  himself  to  Major  Wallace. 
It  was  as  if  he  had  just  started  in  life.  This  failure  was 
a  great  drawback  to  him,  but  he  did  not  allow  it  to  dis- 
courage him,  and  he  went  forward  with  renewed  en- 
ergy, the  result  of  which  was  that,  in  a  few  years,  he  had 
accumulated  enough  to  purchase  a  cozy  little  home, 
which  to-day  cannot  be  purchased  for  three  thousand 
dollars.  Now  he  began  to  feel  the  need  of  education. 
His  business  arrangements  would  not  permit  him  to  attend 
school  ;  however,  he  secured  a  teacher,  to  whom  he  re- 
cited as  often  as  work  would  allow  him.  Finally,  a  night 
session  was  opened  at  the  Storr's  School,  and  he  had  a 
chance  to  go.  His  object  for  seeking  education  was  that 
he  might  some  day  be  more  able  to  preach  the  Word  of 
God  as  he  felt  had  been  enjoined  upon  him.  He  learned 
to  read,  write  and  spell,  and  also  obtained  a  fair  knowl- 
edge of  arithmetic.  In  1882  he  married  his  second 
wife — Mrs.  Laura  Boyd,  a  woman  known  for  integrity, 
virtue  and  Christianity.  In  her  he  possesses  a  treasure. 
In  the  year  1885  he  was  ordained  a  deacon  of  the 
Friendship  Baptist  Church,  which  position  he  fills  credit- 
ably. In  1890  he  was  licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel. 
Brother  Houston  is  bold  and  courageous  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duty,  a  useful  factor  in  his  church,  a  faithful 
Christian,  devoted  husband,  and  an  example  to  believers ; 
an  honor  to  his  race. 


84  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

REV.  ISAAC  R.  HALL, 

PAINTER,  PEOGKESSIVE  MINISTER. 

Isaac  R.  Hall  was  born  near  Greensboro,  Ga.,  De- 
cember 25,  1856.  His  parents  were  quiet,  religious 
people,  whose  occupation  was  that  of  tilling  the  soil.  In 
his  early  life  Hall  had  to  assist  his  father  in  field  work, 
and  this  he  did  till  the  year  1875.  All  who  know  any- 
thing of.  farm  life  know  it  is  not  an  easy  one.  Many 
troubles  and  perplexities  must  in  it,  as  in  all  other  under- 
takings, be  borne  and  endured.  Becoming  tired  of  farm 
life,  Hall  learned  and  pursued  the  painter's  trade  for  some 
time.  During  this  time  he  became  desirous  of  seeking 
and  working  for  Jesus.  These  words,  "Ye  must  be 
born  again,"  rang  in  his  ears  and  echoed  through  his 
heart.  He  obeyed  them,  and  in  the  year  1882  united 
with  the  Baptist  Church  at  Greensboro,  Ga. 

Havingbecome  a  resident  of  this  city,  he  cast  his  lot  with 
the  Mt.  Zion  Church  ;  from  which  church  he  was,  in  the 
year  1886,  ordained.  While  at  Greensboro,  Hall  attended 
the  public  schools  which  were  of 'short  duration.  After 
coming  here,  he  entered  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary, 
where  he  pursued,  in  connection  with  other  studies,  that  of 
theology,  under  the  efficient  Rev.  S.  Graves,  D.D. 
During  Hall's  vacation  he  left  for  the  West,  visiting  the 
principal  cities  of  Illinois,  Indiana,  Arkansas  and  Califor- 
nia. While  on  this  tour  he  was  called  upon  at  the  dif- 
ferent places  to  assist  in  religious  services.  After  two 
months'  travel  he  returned  home  and  prepared  to  reenter 
school.  In  August  of  the  same  year  he  was  called  as 
pastor  of  the  Shilph  Baptist  Church,  which  had  been  or- 
ganized four  years  prior  to  his  call  and  was  then  in  a 
state  of  decline.  He  accepted  this  call  with  the  hope 
and  intention  to  revive  the  church,  whose  membership 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  85 

then  numbered  only  five  souls,  viz  :  Brethren  Lewis 
Holmes  (and  wife),  Linear  (and  wife),  and  Pitts.  With 
these  Rev.  Hall  held  worship  in  a  small,  unseated,  un- 
lighted,  rented  room.  He  with  these  labored  zealously  ; 
the  church  grew  in  numbers  and  increased  in  strength, 
and  after  two  years  a  lot,  5ox  100  feet,  at  a  cost  of  four 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  was  purchased,  upon  which  a 
house  of  worship  was  soon  erected.  In  1891  this  build- 
ing could  not  accommodate  the  congregation  and  had  to 
be  enlarged.  Rev.  Hall  has  a  wife  who,  to  him  is  a  great 
help  and  blessing.  The  Lord  has  bountifully  blessed  his 
work.  Since  he  has  had  charge  of  the  church  he  has 
raised  $3,500.00,  baptized  three  hundred  and  five  souls, 
and  received  one  hundred  and  twenty  by  letter,  making 
a  total  of  four  hundred  and  twenty-five. 

Rev.  Hall  is  an  eloquent  speaker,  zealous  worker  and 
Christian  gentleman.  May  God  continue  to  bless  him 
and  his  work.  The  race  needs  more  useful  workers  like 
him. 


REV.  R.  H    BURSON, 

STATE  MISSIONARY,  DEVOUT  CHRISTIAN. 

This  godly  man  of  whom  I  now  write  first  saw  the 
light  of  day  in  Fair  Play  District,  Morgan  county,  Ga., 
A.  D.  1840. 

He  first  became  religiously  impressed  at  the  age  of 
five  years,  by  his  pious,  Christian  mother.  That  mother's 
spirit  has  passed  (July  i,  1888)  into  its  eternal  rest, 
but  the  memories  of  her  devotion  to  her  Maker  and  the 
Christian  teaching  to  her  son  Richard  are  still  fresh 
within  his  bosom.  Being  personally  acquainted  with 
Rev.  Burson  for  a  number  of  years,  it  is  more  than  a 


86  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

pleasure  to  me  to  be  called  upon  to  relate  these  few  facts 
of  his  Christian  life.  He  was  born  of  slave  parents,  and 
was  himself  a  slave  ;  but  his  treatment  was  never  cruel. 
Somehow  he  was  a  favorite  in  his  masters'  families.  In 
1852  he  was  sold  to  Mr.  S.  Burson,  of  Morgan  county, 
who  was  his  former  master's  son-in-law,  and  with  this 
man  as  his  owner  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  days  of 
servitude.  His  chief  duty  while  a  lad  was  to  carry  his 
master's  children  to  and  from  school.  This  aroused  the 
desire  for  an  education  within  him  ;  and  he  set  himself 
to  wondering  how  he  could  obtain  such. 

He  had  no  means  with  which  to  purchase  and  no  ways 
of  obtaining  books.  He  finally  decided  that  he  would 
gather  all  the  disconnected  leaves  of  the  pupils'  books 
lying  around  the  schoolhouse.  One  day,  after  carrying 
the  children  to  school  as  usual  and  waiting  till  they  had 
all  gone  into  the  schoolroom,  he  busied  himself  picking 
up  the  loose  leaves  which  he  put  away  snugly  in  his 
pocket,  and  on  reaching  home,  obtaining  a  needle  and 
thread  he  sewed  them  together,  making  as  he  said  a 
book,  and  was  it  not  a  book  ?  Aye,  to  the  youthful  slave 
it  was  a  dear  book.  The  children  were  kind  to  him  and 
gave  him  the  necessary  assistance,  so  it  was  not  long  be- 
fore he  could  spell  every  word  on  every  leaf  of  his  home- 
made book. 

Afterward  by  some  means,  he  came  into  possession  of 
a  Webster's  spelling  book,  and  within  a  year  he  had 
mastered  its  contents,  reading  quite  accurately. 

Thus  began  his  education.  Let  me  add,  his  study 
hours  were  confined  to  the  hours  of  the  night,  as  he  had 
no  chance  during  the  day  for  it. 

In  1866  he  married  Miss  Antoinette  Virginia  Veal,  a 
woman  of  true  worth,  who  has  been  the  guiding  star  of 
his  life.  To  them  was  given  only  one  child,  who  having 
grown  to  useful,  intelligent  manhood,  with  a  bright 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  87 

future  before,  was  suddenly  overtaken  by  a  severe  dis- 
ease which  cut  him  off  from  this  life.  This  inestimable 
wife  taught  her  husband  to  write,  and  then  possessing 
the  knowledge  of  reading  and  writing,  he  felt  in  a  meas- 
ure equipped  to  pursue  his  calling. 

He  was  converted  five  years  before  his  marriage,  and 
had  united  with  the  Baptist  Church  of  Gwinnett  county. 

In  1873  he  was  licensed  and  ordained  to  preach.  He 
has  served  the  following  churches  :  At  Stone  Moun- 
tain, Ga.,  Shiloh,  in  DeKalb  county,  one  at  Norcross, 
Ga.,  one  at  East  Point,  Ga.,  and  the  Fraser  street  B.  C. 
of  this  city. 

He  has  served  as  missionary  of  the  State  for  four 
years  during  which  time  he  has  given  entire  satisfaction 
to  the  chief  authorities  of  the  missionary  force  and  is  do- 
ing great  work  for  the  Master.  He  is  still  spending  his 
days  and  strength  in  that  capacity,  and  is  not  satisfied 
when  not  working  for  his  Maker.  Verily  it  will  be  said 
of  him  when  he  shall  have  finished  his  earthly  career: 
"  Thou  hast  fought  a  good  fight.  Enter  into  thy  rest ." 


REV.  THOMAS  M.  DORSEY, 

BAPTIST  PREACHER. 

Thomas  M.  Dorsey  was  born  June  2,  1860,  in  Colum- 
bia county,  Ga.  When  he  was  but  five  months  old  his 
mother  died,  leaving  him  to  the  care  of  his  father.  At 
the  age  of  nine  he  began  to  do  farm  work. 

Being  anxious  to  learn  and  not  able  on  account  of  hav- 
ing to  work,  to  attend  school,  young  Dorsev  found  out 
where  a  school  was  being  taught  at  night  and  of  this  fact 
acquainted  his  father,  who  consented  to  send  the  son  to 


88  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

this  night  school.  While  attending  he  learned  rapidly. 
His  daily  labors  seemed  easier  to  him  since  he  felt  that 
he  was  acquiring  knowledge,  though  at  the  sacrifice  of 
a  few  hours  sleep  at  night.  He  was  anxious  to  learn,  for 
he  had  already  the  conviction  that  "  knowledge  is 
power." 

The  young  man  of  whom  I  now  write  is  not  selfish, 
he  loves  the  race  to  which  he  belongs.  Accordingly,  feel- 
ing that  he  was  able  to  impart  knowledge  to  the  children 
of  that  race  with  God  as  his  leader,  he  began  the  work  of 
school  teaching.  His  first  work  of  this  kind  was  at 
Sandtown,  Ga.,  where  he  endeared  himself  to  the  patrons 
and  pupils.  Wherever  he  afterward  taught,  he  was  loved 
and  respected  by  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact- 
Mr.  Dorsey  at  one  time  attended  the  Schofield  Industrial 
and  Normal  School  at  Aiken,  S.  C.,  where  he  was  a 
diligent  student. 

Having  accepted  and  resolved  to  follow  Christ  and  to 
work  for  him,  he  united  with  the  Baptist  Church,  and 
was  baptized  by  one  Rev.  E.  V.  White.  He  was  soon 
appointed  church  clerk,  and  superintendent  of  the  Sun- 
day-school, where  he  did  good  service  for  the  master. 
Feeling  that  be  was  one  of  the  chosen  he  applied  to  his 
church  for  license,  and  the  church  believing  him  to  be 
called  of  God  granted  him  the  necessary  license.  After 
coming  to  Atlanta,  Mr.  Dorsey  joined  by  letter  Shiloh 
Baptist  Church  of  which  Rev.  I.  R.  Hall  is  pastor,  and 
from  which  church  he  (Rev.  Dorsey)  was  licensed  and 
ordained,  the  presbytery  consisting  of  Rev.  J.  B.  Davis, 
Atlanta,  Ga.;  Rev.  M.  V.  White,  Atlanta,  Ga.;  Rev. 
W.  H.  Tilman,  Atlanta,  Ga.:  Rev.  I.  R.  Hall,  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  and  the  writer. 

Rev.  Dorsey  was  called  to  take  charge  of  the  Big 
Bethel  Baptist  Church  December  last.  May  he  be  suc- 
cessful in  this  work.  This  church  is  located  in  Cobb 


REV.    W.    H.   TUGGLB. 


REV.   I.   K.   HALL. 


R.    11.    HOUSTON. 


SHILOH  CHURCH. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  89 

county,  Ga.     He  also  was  a  student  of  the  Atlanta  Bap- 
tist Seminary,  the  inexhaustible  source  of  knowledge. 

Rev.  Dorsey  is  a  good  man,  worthy  of  his  calling. 
May  the  Lord  continue  to  be  his  guide  and  protector 
through  the  varying  scenes  of  life. 


REV.  HENRY    WHITE, 

ABLE  BAPTIST  DIVINE. 

He  was  born  at  Richmond,  Va.,  A.  D.  1854.  When 
he  was  very  small  he  was  placed  upon  the  block  to  be 
sold,  but  he  used  his  lungs  with  such  violent  force  he 
was  taken  down.  Young  White  knew  nothing  at  all 
about  his  paternal  parent,  his  father  being  sold  before  his 
birth.  He  was  finally  purchased  by  a  man  from  the 
State  of  Louisiana  and  carried  to  that  State.  After 
spending  some  considerable  time  there,  he  came  to  Geor- 
gia and  located  at  Lagrange.  There  he  stayed  till 
1871  working  on  the  farm.  He  next  came  to  Atlanta. 
Ga.,  and  for  a  while  worked  at  butchery.  Thinking  he 
could  better  his  financial  condition  by  so  doing,  he  took 
up  the  business  of  draying,  which  proved  to  be  successful. 
His  first  investment  in  this  city  was  in  three-fourths  of 
an  acre  of  land,  for  which  he  paid  one  hundred  dollars. 

Afterward  sold  the  same  for  two  thousand  dollars.  In 
1885  he  united  with  the  Wheat  Street  Baptist  Church, 
and  soon  afterward  was  made  superintendent  of  the  Sun- 
day-school. 1887  he  was  licensed  to  preach,  and  prov- 
ing himself  an  efficient  disciple,  he  was  ordained. 
Shortly  after  his  ordination,  he  was  called  to  the  care  of 
a  small  church  in  South  Atlanta.  As  pastor  he  has  done 
and  is  still  doing  excellent  labor.  At  South  Atlanta  Rev. 


90  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

White  has  erected  a  church-house  at  a  cost  of  one  thou- 
sand, nine  hundred  dollars,  and  increased  the  member- 
ship greatly.  He  also  engaged  in  grocery -keeping  which 
enabled  him  to  push  forward  his  education.  He  is  a 
student  of  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary.  In  1892  he 
accepted  the  pastorate  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Fair- 
burn,  Ga.  Rev.  White  is  one  of  the  business  men  of 
our  city,  and  by  his  enery  and  push  is  able  to  keep  the 
wolf  from  the  door. 


REV.  J.  C.  BEAVER, 

DEVOUT   SUNDAY-SCHOOL    WORKEK. 

He  is  the  youngest  of  eleven  children,  who  were  born 
to  William  and  Charity.  Beavers,  and  was  born  October 
17,  1860,  in  Campbell  county,  Ga.  His  early  school 
days  were  passed  in  the  village  of  Campbellton,  and  in 
this  school  he  ranked  at  the  head  of  his  classes. 

While  he  was  a  small  boy,  he  would  play  "  at  preach- 
ing "  to  the  other  children  about  the  place,  and  the  older 
persons  who  heard  him  would  say  among  themselves  : 
**  That  boy  is  going  to  preach  sure  enough  one  day." 
He  has  fulfilled  the  prophecy,  as  he  is  to-day  a  leader 
among  the  Baptist  army  of  the  State.  He  has  taught  in 
several  public  schools  and  was  regarded  as  a  model  teacher. 
Rev.  Beavers  is  a  Christian  and  a  trusty  man  ;  all  who 
know  him,  place  the  utmost  confidence  in  him,  and  be- 
lieve him  a  true  follower  of  Christ.  He  is  a  great  Sun- 
day-school worker,  and  has  done  more  work  in  that  di- 
rection than  any  other  man  in  West  Georgia.  Has  also 
enjoyed  the  honor  of  being  the  clerk  of  several  Associa- 
tions, and  has  written  largely  for  the  leading  Negro  jour- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  91 

nal  of  the  South,  the  Georgia  Baptist.  In  1889  he  moved 
to  Lithia  Springs,  Ga.,  where  he  is  employed  as  janitor 
and  florist  of  the  beautiful  Chautauqua  grounds. 

He  performs  his  duties  so  well  and  successfully,  that 
those  for  whom  he  works  deem  him  indispensable.  In 
1891  he  married  a  Miss  Magnolia  McGraw  of  New  Or- 
leans, La.,  and  during  the  same  year  was  elected  clerk 
of  thte  Carrollton  Association.  Rev.  Beavers  says  of  him- 
self that  he  is  a  Baptist  of  the  deepest  dye.  In  1892  he 
was  ordained  to  the  ministry  ;  and  soon  after  became  the 
pastor  of  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member. 

He  immediately  began  the  fight  against  sin,  and  soon 
had  a  large  number  to  baptize.  Among  this  number 
was  his  wife,  who  had  accepted  Christ,  that  she  might 
the  better  assist  her  companion  in  upbuilding  the  Master's 
kingdom.  His  highest  aim  is  to  glorify  God  and  ad- 
vance his  kingdom  on  earth.  Rev.  Beavers  is  now  en- 
gaged in  erecting  a  church  edifice,  which,  when  finished, 
will  assist  in  adorning  the  already  beautiful  little  vil- 
lage of  Lithia  Springs,  Ga. 


REV.  J.  B.  DAVIS, 

CARPENTER,  JANITOR,  SUCCESSFUL,  PROGRESSIVE  MIN- 
ISTER OF  GOD. 

A  few  miles  from  Watkinsville,  Ga.,  in  a  poor  region 
known  as  Farmington,  near  the  roadside,  sat  an  humble 
cabin.  In  this  cabin,  April  15,  1857,  was  ushered  into 
this  world,  Jeremiah  B.  Davis.  Being  the  son  of  slaves, 
and  born  at  the  time  of  slavery,  his  educational  advan- 
tages were  like  those  of  most  of  his  people. 

After  freedom  he  lived  with  a  white  man,  whose  son 
took  pleasure  in  teaching  Jeremiah,  and  each  day  would 


92  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

give  him  a  lesson  to  prepare  for  the  next.  He  would 
get  this  lesson  by  taking  with  him  to  the  field  his  book,, 
and  at  the  dinner  hour  would  study  it.  In  this  manner 
Jeremiah  received  his  first  teaching.  Ail  through  his 
earlier  life  he  scorned  wrong-doing,  and  never  stooped 
to  meanness.  At  the  age  of  fifteen,  after  hearing  one 
Rev.  Shadrick  preach  from  i  Cor.  15:55,  he  was  con- 
verted. This  good  man,  Rev.  Shadrick,  though  not 
a  theologian  or  scholar,  though  not  able  to  ascend  the 
starry  heaven  and  bring  philosophy  to  dwell  with  man- 
kind, knew  how  to  preach  the  blessed  Word  of  Godr 
and  selecting,  at  that  time,  the  above  named  portion  of 
scripture  was  the  means  of  bringing  to  Christ  one  more 
soul.  After  his  conversion,  Jeremiah  lived  a  true  Chris- 
tian, and  in  his  community  is  considered  the  leader  of 
prayer-meetings  and  of  the  Sunday-school.  Like  most 
of  his  fellow-men  he  was  obliged  to  do  field  work,  butr 
thirsting  for  knowledge,  he  managed  to  attend  the  three 
months  public  school  which  had  then  been  established. 

When  he  was  seventeen  he  became  apprenticed  to  car- 
pentry under  one  Mr.  Mack,  of  Athens,  Ga.  He  served 
this  trade  nine  years.  Though  his  early  life  was  given  to 
physical  toil,  his  mind  was  hungry  for  food,  .and  in  time 
this  food  was  given  him. 

He  found  a  friend  in  the  person  of  Rev.  C.  H.  L»yonr 
D.D.,  who  was  then  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church,  at  Wat- 
kinsville.  Seeing  in  Jeremiah  a  grand  spirit  and  believ- 
ing if  cultivated  he  would  become  a  power  for  good  as  a 
pulpit  orator,  the  church  with  which  he  was  connected 
granted  him  license  to  proclaim  the  truth  in  Christ  Jesus. 
.Rev.  Lyon  now  urged  him  to  enter  the  Atlanta  Baptist 
Seminary,  and  he,  being  anxious  to  pursue  his  studies^ 
consented  to  this.  Arranging  and  locking  his  tool-chest, 
he  made  ready  for  his  departure.  His  possessions  in 
finance  amounted  to  only  fifteen  dollars,  half  of  which 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  93 

amount  he  gave  to  his  wife.  After  paying  his  railroad 
-expenses  for  himself  and  tool  chest  Jeremiah  had  left  him 
the  pitiful  sum  of  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents.  Ar- 
riving in  this  city,  with  comparatively  no  means,  all 
around  him  seemed  dark  and  gloomy,  and  he  knew  not 
where  to  go. 

In  the  midst  of  despondencies  and  discouragements, 
God  opened  a  way  for  him,  as  he  will  do  for  you,  my 
readers,  if  you  will  trust  him.  He  succeeded  in  obtain- 
ing board  and  lodging  for  eight  dollars  per  month,  from 
a  charitable  woman  who  waited  till  he  was  able  to  pay  her. 
Entering  school  he  paid  his  tuition  of  one  dollar.  Having 
brought  his  tool-chest,  he  was  prepared  to  follow  his 
trade;  and  this  he  did,  obtaining  work  Friday  afternoons 
and  Saturdays.  By  this  means  he  kept  up  with  his  ex- 
penses for  three  years.  At  the  expiration  of  this  time, 
the  president,  Dr.  J.  T.  Robert,  LL.D.,  perceiving  that 
Jeremiah  was  quick  intellectually  and  industrious  in  his 
habits,  and  knowing  his  financial  condition,  together  with 
the  other  members  of  the  faculty  made  him  ("Jere") 
janitor  of  the  building,  allowing  him  as  salary  twelve  dol- 
lars per  month,  including  tuition.  Thus,  being  able  to 
pursue  his  studies,  he  completed  the  normal  and  theolog- 
ical course  with  honor.  While  attending  school  he  ac- 
cepted the  call  of  a  small  church  at  Woodstock,  Ga., 
where  he  served  as  pastor  for  two  years,  during  which 
time  he  very  much  enjoyed  his  labor  among  the  people ? 
who  were  friendly,  frank  and  unselfish.  Indeed  he  was 
drawn  by  cords  of  love  to  these  people,  whose  simplicity 
attracted  him. 

Having  a  family  to  support,  and  other  expenses,  the  in- 
come of  my  subject  was  quite  limited,  and  because  of 
railroad  expenses  this  field  of  labor  was  inconvenient  for 
him,  and,  though  regretting  to  leave  the  flock  he  had  for 
two  years  tended,  he  gave  up  the  work  and  assumed 


94  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

charge  of  a  church  in  the  western  portion  of  this  city. 
For  this  church  he  served  in  the  capacity  of  janitor  as 
well  as  pastor,  and  for  this  little  weather-beaten  struc- 
ture he  purchased  lamps,  filled  and  lighted  them,  but 
rang  not  the  bell,  there  being  none  to  ring.  Rev.  Davis 
has  served  this  church  for  eight  years,  during  which  time 
God  has  bountifully  blessed  his  labor,  he  having  added  to 
his  flock  two  hundred  and  forty  souls,  making  now  the 
membership  two  hundred  and  sixty  strong.  Also  he  has 
.erected  a  handsome  three  thousand  dollar  brick  structure 
where  the  former  house  stood. 

Rev.  Davis,  born  amid  hardships,  and  having  traveled 
at  least  half  the  distance  of  poverty  and  want,  knows  how 
to  sympathize  with  suffering  humanity.  Having  through 
God's  help  been  So  successful  in  his  work,  Rev.  Davis 
retrospectively  views  the  condition  of  the  church,  when 
it  was  a  dilapidated  building,  with  defaced  furniture 
within,  and  says  within  himself:  "  Surely  God  is  pleased 
with  my  work,  since  he  has  crowned  it  with  success." 
He  merits  the  respect  and  trust  of  all.  God  bless  such 
men  ! 


REV.  DAVID  S.  KLUGH, 
DEVOUT    BAPTIST   MINISTER. 

I  know  of  no  one  more  unassuming,  more  unpretend- 
ing and  more  gentlemanly  than  the  young  man  of  whom 
I  now  speak.  Besides  bearing  these  qualities,  he  is  full 
of  energy,  push  and  vim.  He  first  beheld  the  dawn  of 
light  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina,  A.  D.  1864.  Mr. 
Klugh's  father  died  while  he  was  yet  too  young  to  realize 
what  grief  was,  so  the  son  never  knew  the  love  of  that 
parent. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  95 

The  mother  was  left  with  five  children  to  care  for,  and 
many  were  the  battles  she  fought  against  poverty,  but 
she  succeeded  in  rearing  her  children  aright  and  properly 
administering  to  their  needs  morally,  intellectually  and 
physically.  By  this  mother's  teachings  the  soul  of  our 
subject  became  enthused  with  three  desires:  he  desired 
first  to  know  something,  then  he  would  work  to  be  some- 
thing, and,  lastly,  he  would  struggle  to  have  and  do 
something. 

His  first  school  days  were  spent  in  a  rude  log  cabin. 
It  was  a  free  school,  but  as  he  lived  outside  the  town- 
ship he  had  to  pay  fifty  cents  per  month  tuition.  Feel- 
ing that  he  must  make  good  use  of  the  time  so  as  to 
receive  the  value  of  his  fifty  cents,  he  applied  himself  dil- 
igently to  study  and  became  the  leader  of  all  his  classes. 
Mr.  Klugh  does  not  regret  the  money  paid  in  those  early 
days  for  his  schooling,  for  he  says  it  was  the  best  invest- 
ment of  his  life. 

Leaving  the  village  school  he  began  farming,  at  which 
he  worked  five  years,  and  during  that  time  found  it  to  be 
both  profitable  and  pleasurable.  Subsequently  he  entered 
the  Normal  Institute  at  Greenwood,  S.  C.,  and  while 
in  attendance  there  he  was  offered  and  accepted  the 
position  of  teacher  in  the  Pine  Grove  school  at  Hodges, 
S.  C.;  but  not  being  satisfied  with  his  ability  as  teacher 
he  soon  resigned  this  work  and  became  a  student  of  the 
Caflin  University  at  Orangeburg,  S.  C.  While  here  he 
was  again  solicited  to  take  the  school  at  Hodges,  which, 
after  some  persuasion,  he  did. 

It  was  now  that  he  felt  God  required  his  labor  in  a 
higher  sphere — that  of  minister  of  the  gospel;  so  he  again 
gave  up  the  school  at  Hodges  and  took  charge  of  one  at 
Greenville,  S.  C.,  thereby  having  a  better  opportunity  to 
exercise  his  ministerial  talents.  Feeling  his  deficiency 
for  so  high  a  calling,  he  resolved  to  attend  a  Baptist  school 


96  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

of  some  note.  Accordingly  he  matriculated  in  the  At- 
lanta Baptist  Seminary  at  Atlanta,  Ga.t  where  he  en- 
deared himself  to  the  professors  and  students,  as  well  as 
to  many  leading  residents  of  the  city.  First  in  all  his 
classes,  he  graduated  with  high  honors  in  1890,  and  his 
oration  for  that  occasion  was  considered  a  masterpiece. 
After  his  graduation  he  became  the  pastor  of  the  Morris 
Baptist  Chapel,  Greenwood,  S.  C.,  where  he  led  many 
souls  to  Christ,  and  also  founded  the  Greenwood  graded 
schco),  which  is  still  under  his  successful  management. 
He  has,  also,  charge  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Promise 
Land,  S.  C.,  to  which  he  gives  a  portion  of  his  time,  and 
where  he  is  erecting  a  handsome  church  edifice, 

He  has  recently  been  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the 
Union  Baptist  Church  at  Augusta,  Ga.  Degrees  have 
been  offered  him,  but  as  yet  he  has  not  accepted  any. 
One  might  readily  see  that  the  future  of  this  young  man 
is  bright  and  prosperous.  Early  he  obeyed  the  command  : 
*'Seek  first  the  kingdom  of  heaven,"  and  now  he  is  real- 
izing the  promise  :  "  And  all  things  else  shall  be  added 
unto  you." 


REV.  CYRUS  BROWN, 

ELOQUENT    MINISTER. 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  fifty-four,  twelve  miles  from  the  classic  city  of  Ath- 
ens, in  Georgia,  was  ushered  into  slavery  life  a  male 
baby  to  whom  was  given  the  name  we  present  above 
this  narrative.  Though  born  a  slave  he  did  not  suffer  to 
any  great  extent  the  cruelties  of  slavery  days,  for  as  we 
see,  his  advent  into  this  world  was  not  a  great  while  be- 
fore that  great  struggle  which  finally  resulted  in  his  free- 


REV.   DAVID  S.    KLUGH. 


REV.   J.   B.   DAVIS. 


MACEDONIA   BAPTIST   CHURCH. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  97 

dom  commenced.  But  he  saw  enough  of  the  cruel  treat- 
ment to  others  older  than  himself  to  impress  him  that 
slavery  was  an  accursed  institution ;  he  heard  enough  of 
the  cries  and  prayers  of  his  elders  to  make  him  wish  that 
they  were  free. 

Cyrus  was  used  as  a  house  boy,  what  we  now  call  a 
butler,  and  was  more  favored  than ,  many  of  his  fellow- 
creatures,  but  possessing  a  tender,  sympathetic  heart, 
many  were  the  tears  he  shed  in  secret  over  the  wrongs 
perpetrated  upon  his  people.  He  first  learned  shoe-mak- 
ing under  his  father,  but  after  his  father's  death  he  was 
put  to  work  under  a  Mr.  Henry  Horten,  of  Athens,  Ga. 
In  those  days  of  superstition  and  ignorance  the  idea  of 
children's  religion  was  not  tolerated,  there  were  none 
who  would  believe  in  it  ;  consequently  when,  at  the  age 
of  twelve  Cyrus  professed  and  proclaimed  a  hope  in 
Christ,  he  created  no  little  excitement.  He  was  small  in 
stature,  and  had  to  be  placed  upon  a  table  in  the  church 
when  telling  of  his  conversion.  He  was  the  first  child  to 
unite  with  the  church  in  the  city  of  Athens.  He  became 
a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  was  baptized  by 
Rev.  Floyd  Hill.  In  1876  Mr.  Brown  was  married  to 
a  Miss  Eliza  Lester.  He  felt  that  he  was  one  of  the 
chosen,  to  whom  the  command,  "Go  preach  my  gospel," 
was  given;  so  that  he  might  prepare  himself  for  that 
arduous  calling  he  came  to  Atlanta  in  1882  and  entered 
the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary.  Before  his  becoming  a 
member  of  the  seminary  he  was  called  as  pastor  of  the 
Mt.  Pleasant  Church.  During  the  same  year  of  his  enter- 
ing school  he  was  also  called  to  St.  James  Baptist  Church. 
He  accepted  the  call  and  went  alternately  to  these 
churches  to  fill  the  office  of  pastor.  At  neither  of  these 
places  had  they  a  decent  house  of  worship,  but  under 
his  wise  management  and  well  preached  gospel  both 


98  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

communities  soon  erected  comfortable  churches  at  a  cost 
of  seven  hundred  and  eight  hundred  dollars  respectively. 
In  1888  he  resigned  these  charges  and  accepted  that  of 
the  Macedonia  Baptist  Church  at  Atlanta. 

In  1890  he  finished  his  studies  and  was  then  able  to 
devote  his  whole  time  to  his  ministerial  work.  He  is  still 
the  honored  pastor  of  the  last  named  church,  where  he 
has  been  instrumental  in  bringing  many  souls  to  the  king- 
dom of  Christ. 

The  names  which  follow  are  some  of  the  worthy  female 
members  of  his  church ; 

Mrs.  Amy  Simms,  Mrs.  Leah  Hartsfield,  Mrs.  Susie 
Eagles,  Mrs.  Lucy  Dillard,  Mrs.  Mattie  Sanders,  Mrs. 
Mahala  Saracens,  Mrs.  Mollie  Calhoun,  Mrs.  Cresie 
Kendrick,  Mrs.  Chas.  McHenry.  Sunday-school  teach- 
ers :  Miss  Mary  Jordan,  Mrs.  Laura  Price,  Miss  Hattie 
Rogers,  Miss  Culbreth;  Messrs.  Tate  andj.  C.  Comer, 
also  trustees  Rainwater  and  Bugg. 

In  1889  Rev.  Brown  accepted  another  charge  at  Ac- 
worth,  Ga.,  where *he  also  labors  vigilantly  for  the  cause 
of  Christ.  He  owns  real  estate  in  Athens,  Ga.,  in  a  most 
desirable  portion  of  the  city,  said  property  being  near  the 
Lucy  Cobb  Institute.  He  is  a  zealous  worker  for  the 
kingdom  of  Christ,  full  of  ambition  and  valor,  a  man  of 
unswerving  determination. 


REV.  W.   L.  JONES. 

SUCCESSFUL  AND    BELOVED  PASTOR  OF   THE    BEULAH 
BAPTIST    CHUKCH. 

Immediately  after  the  late  rebellion,  the  parents  of  the 
subject  of  this  narrative  removed  from  their  home  in 
Milton  county,  Ga.,  where  he  was  born,  to  the  county  of 
Gwinnett,  at  Norcross. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  99 

Young  Jones  possessed  the  traits  common  to  all 
youths,  but  was  early  in  life  religiously  inclined,  for  at 
the  tender  age  of  sixteen  years  he  professed  a  hope  in 
Christ  Jesus  and  united  with  the  Baptist  Church  at  Nor- 
cross,  Ga.  Immediately  he  became  an  enthusiastic  Sun- 
day-school worker,  which  he  has  ever  afterwards  been. 
Soon  after  his  conversion  he  began  to  feel  that  he  was  to 
enter  into  the  ministry  of  God.  To  rid  himself  of  this 
feeling  he  left  his  home  and  went  into  the  State  of  Mis- 
sissippi, but  while  there  the  spirit  continually  impressed 
his  mind,  and  after  remaining  there  a  year,  he  returned 
home  and  began  preparing  himself  for  his  arduous  call- 
ing. He  was  licensed  and  ordained,  and  only  ten  min- 
utes after  ordination  was  given  the  care  of  two  churches. 

His  influence  and  fame  as  a  pastor  began  to  spread, 
and  during  the  second  year  of  his  ministry,  he  was  called 
to  serve  the  third  church.  At  one  time  he  was  the  pas- 
tor of  four  churches.  This  led  him  to  believe  that  God 
had  a  special  work  for  him  to  do;  so  he  began  to  gather 
together  all  the  churches  in  the  county  in  which  he 
lived,  and  organized  and  formed  them  into  an  associa- 
tion, to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  the  Hopewell  Asso-. 
ciation.  Now  it  was  that  he  felt  the  need  of  education  ; 
so  after  due  consideration,  he  resolved  to  attend  the 
Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary.  Moving  from  his  home  to 
Decatur,  Ga.,  which,  on  account  of  its  being  only  six 
miles  from  Atlanta,  is  nearer  to  the  seminary,  he  became 
a  member  of  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary.  Finding  it 
too  expensive  to  reside  at  Decatur  and  attend  school 
here,  he  finally  moved  to  Atlanta,  where  he  was  more 
able  to  continue  his  studies.  Soon  after  coming  to  this 
city  he  was  called  to  serve  the  Mt.  Zion  Baptist  Church, 
of  this  city.  After  due  and  prayerful  consideration  this 
call  he  accepted.  The  church  building  being  in  a  dilapi- 
dated condition,  Rev.  Jones  began  to  devise  plans  for 


100  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

the  erection  of  a  new  one.  After  much  toil  and  labor 
his  efforts  were  rewarded  by  seeing  a  neat  structure 
occupying  the  place  of  the  old  one. 

All  this  time  he,  through  many  disadvantages,  contin- 
ued in  school,  and  also  served  another  church  at 
Roswell,  Ga.  He  remained  in  school  till  he  received  his 
"  sheep  skin,"  when,  against  the  protestations  and  tears 
of  his  many  charges,  he  gave  them  up  with  the  inten- 
tion of  removing  to  the  West.  He  left  the  soil  of  his 
native  State,  but  his  religious  influence  and  good  works 
remained  behind,  and  during  his  absence  he  was  re- 
quested to  come  back  home  and  be  the  pastor  of  the 
Beulah  Baptist  Church.  Feeling  it  his  duty  to  do  all 
the  good  he  could  at  home,  he  returned  and  became  the 
pastor  of  the  above  named  church.  This  church  house 
was  also  in  a  state  of  decline,  but  under  this  energetic 
man  a  new  edifice  soon  towered  upward.  This  was  not 
accomplished  all  at  once,  for  the  membership  was  small 
and  the  members  poor;  but  they  all  persevered  until  the 
work  was  completed,  and  now  a  handsome  edifice  of 
stone  and  brick  adorns  the  community  which  sur- 
rounds it. 

Notwithstanding  the  many  hardships  through  which 
he  has  passed,  Rev.  Jones  has  had  bountiful  success  in 
all  his  labors.  He  has  greatly  increased  the  member- 
ship of  this  church,  having  baptized  three  hundred  be- 
sides taking  in  others  by  letter.  He  is  a  man  who  be- 
lieves that  it  is  left  with  a  person  as  to  whether  he  will 
make  anything  or  nothing  of  himself,  and  entertaining 
this  view  he  has  striven  to  make  something  of  himself. 

Few  men  there  are  who  possess  more  courage  and 
fortitude  than  he.  As  a  young  man  he  has  made  his 
mark  in  the  world  for  good.  His  religion  is  of  the  lib- 
eral nature  which  constrains  him  to  look  after  the  spir- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  101 

itual  and  temporal  welfare  of  his  people  and  all  who  aid 
in  any  way  the  onward  march  of  Christ,. 

Struggling  against  disadvantages,  and  knowing  how 
hard  it  is  for  poor  young  men  and  women  to  acquire  an 
education,  he  contribufes  annually  to  the  Spelman  and 
Baptist  seminaries. 

Rev.  Jones  has  been  the  wise  and  efficient  moderator 
of  the  Hopewell  Associatiation  for  the  past  ten  years, 
which  fact  shows  his  ability  to  rule  wisely  and  well. 

May  God  continue  to  bless  him  and  his  work,  and  as 
he  advances  in  years,  may  he  advance  also  in  the  love 
and  grace  of  Christ  Jesus. 


MISS  MABLE  B.  JOHNSON, 

TEACHER  IN  ATLANTA  PUBLIC  SCHOOL. 

The  women  among  the  Negro  race  who  would  dare  to 
be  anything  to  the  race,  have  untold  difficulties  and  trials 
to  undergo,  and  if  they,  through  perseverance  do  rise  to 
any  pre-eminence  in  the  race,  it  is  only  because  nature 
has  endowed  them  with  an  indomitable  will  and  such  un- 
swerving and  natural  ambition  to  be  something.  The  race 
has  not  yet  in  general  arisen  high  enough  in  the  scale  of 
culture  and  refinement  to  not  show  signs  of  prejudice  to 
to  those  who  would  rise  to  honor  and  fame. 

Long  since  the  idea  of  woman's  ability  and  position  in 
life  has  crystallized  itself  in  the  minds  of  men  and  the  pub- 
lic, that  they  are  good  for  nothing  more,  absolutely  noth- 
ing more,  but  to  attend  to  babies,  to  cook,  to  entertain  the 
husband's  company,  and  to  see  after  domestic  affairs 
generally. 


102  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Such  have  been  some  of  the  disadvantages  through 
which  the  subject  of  this  sketch  has  had  to  pass. 

Mabel  Beatrice  Johnson  came  into  life  surrounded  by 
the  beautiful  hills  of  the  paradise-like  town  of  Griffin,  in 
Georgia.  She  was  born  of  parents  of  ante  bellum  days. 
Her  early  life  was  spent  in  the  Gate  City  of  the  South. 
So  early  was  she  brought  to  this  city  by  her  parents,  that 
she  scarcely  recognized  the  fact  that  she  was  not  born  in 
this  city.  This  quiet,  unassuming  woman  has  gone  along 
making  her  way  by  degrees  up  and  up  the  rounds  of  the 
ladder  of  art,  science  and  industry,  until  she  stands  in 
even  ranks  with  those  who  have  made  in  every  way  com- 
plete success.  She  has  had  superior  advantages  to  many 
of  her  race  in  the  educational  line.  When  she  was 
scarcely  old  enough  to  go  through  the  streets  unaccom- 
panied, she  was  placed  in  the  Haynes  street  school,  which 
at  the  time  of  her  attendance  was  taught  by  white  teach- 
ers. After  spending  some  years  in  thfs  school,  she  passed 
to  the  Summer  Hill  public  school.  At  this  time,  her 
mother  wishing  her  to  be  taught  more  thoroughly  sent 
her  to  the  Storr's,  a  school  of  a  much  higher  curriculum. 

Here  she  remained  till  within  a  few  months  of  graduat- 
ing. Her  parents  then  moved  to  Charlotte,  N.  C.,  where 
they  lived  some  time.  Returning  to  Atlanta  in  1882,  she 
entered  the  Spellman  Seminary,  one  of  the  first  schools 
for  women  and  girls  in  the  South. 

On  entering,  she  was  able  to  make  the  Junior  Normal 
class,  and  after  four  years,  graduated  with  honors  from 
the  class  of  1886. 

After  her  graduation,  she  entered  public  work.  She 
made  a  creditable  standard  before  the  board  of  education 
and  was  appointed  supernumerary  of  the  Atlanta  public 
schools,  which  position  she  filled  with  credit  to  herself 
and  satisfaction  to  the  board  of  education,  as  a  good  dis- 
ciplinarian and  successful  teacher.  The  record  will  show 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  103 

that  in  1888  she  was  elected  teacher  of  the  third  grade  of 
the  Houston  street  school.  In  the  fall  of  1890  she  was 
promoted  to  the  fourth  grade  at  the  West  Mitchell  street 
school.  In  1892  she  succesfully  advanced  and  was  raised 
in  honor  of  her  faithful  and  praiseworthy  work,  to  the 
sixth  grade. 

This  she  has  done  by  hard  struggle  and  by  accepting 
hardships  and  disadvantages  as  she  met  them.  Miss  John- 
son is  an  expert  in  artistic  needle  work,  and  all  her  spare 
moments  are  utilizedin  fine  lace-making  and  embroidering. 
She  displays  fine  musical  talent  and  on  the  whole  is  intel- 
ligent cultured  and  refined. 

Nature  has  also  bestowed  upon  her  a  bountiful  supply  of 
beauty,  as  the  accompanying  cut  of  herself  will  show. 


REV.  SILAS  SMITH, 

BAPTIST  DIVINE. 

Rev.  Silas  Smith  was  born  in  Pittsylvania  county, 
Virginia,  1857.  He  spent  the  earlier  part  of  his  life  in 
farming,  and  when  he  reached  manhood  he  went  to  Dan- 
ville, Va.,  where  he  was  employed  in  a  tobacco  factory, 
where  his  work  consisted  in  rolling  the  leaves  for  their 
further  use.  He  worked  in  this  establishment  for  some 
considerable  time,  when  the  desire  to  travel  seized  him, 
and,  having  saved  some  money,  he  began  to  make  prep- 
aration for  an  extended  tour.  He  purchased  a  magic 
lantern  whereby  he  might  be  the  better  able  to  defray 
his  expenses,  and  thus  pass  from  place  to  place  with  ease. 
With  his  lantern  he  was  most  successful,  being  able  to 
pass  through  twenty-two  States,  visiting  all  of  the 
principal  cities  and  towns  in  those  States.  With  his  pan- 


104  THE  BLACK  $EDE. 

orama  he  commands  crowded  houses,  and  his  splendid 
variety  of  scenes  and  kaleidoscopic  views  are  enjoyed  by 
all  whose  high  pleasure  it  is  to  see  them. 

ID  this  his  chosen  profession  Rev.  Smith  stands  second 
to  none.  He  has  *  charm  about  him  whereby  he  is  able 
to  hold  his  audiences  speHbound ;  and  can  cause  them  to 
sing,  laugh  or  cry  at  his  own  wflL  In  short,  he  seems 
suited  to  this  profession,  in  which  he  is  so  successful. 

During  his  travels  he  felt  that  he  was  called  of  God  to 
preach  the  Gospel  la  March,  1892,  he  was  ordained. 

Rev.  Smith  now  resides  at  Bedford  City,  Virginia, 
where  he  has  a  most  beautiful  and  comfortable  home. 
He  is  pastor  of  two  churches,  one  being  in  the  city  in 
which  he  lives  and  the  other  in  Roanoke  county,  Virginia. 
He  pays  taxes  on  $1,000.00  worth  of  real  estate.  Rev. 
Smith  is  a  man  of  broad  experiences,  having  traveled 
quite  extensively.  He  is  jovial  and  entertaiiftirtg,  a  clever 


REV.  W.  D.  JOHXSOX, 

P££  ACKER. 


the  leading  Baptist  divines  of  the  Xegro  race 
wefl  be  classed  the  subject  of  this  narrative.  He 
first  saw  the  fight  of  day  at  Hephzibah,  Richmond  county, 
Ga-,  June  4,  1862.  Having  a  praying  mother  and  a 

r_:_;~_ 


were  brought  to  bear  so  heavily  upon 
me  years  old,  he  left  his  home  one 
Monday  morning  and  went  to  a  great  creek  swamp, 
where  he  stayed  five  nights  and  days  without  a  morsel 
of  food  or  a  drink  of  water.  Having  seen  the  gathering 

if    IJLr    tl^.t-S   ~'~.±    !'±~~~--     i-rlli  — I     ~.~.i:     ':.-    ''<"-::     IT!". 


V3.T-  '-:-    -->• 


BULAH   BAPTIST   CHURCH. 


REV.   W.   L.   JONES.  1 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  105 

a  search  was  instituted;  but  when  found  he  "had  been 
killed  dead  to  sin  and  made  alive  in  Christ  Jesus."  He 
was  then  baptized  into  the  Covenant  Baptist  Church  by 
Rev.  Nathan  Walker.  Being  born  of  poor  parents,  he 
was  never  as  well  attired  as  his  fellow  schoolmates,  but 
his  aptness  as  a  scholar  and  his  Christian  deportment  won 
the  respect  of  his  teachers  and  demanded  it  of  the  pupils. 
His  first  effort  at  oratory  was  made  at  the  closing  exer- 
cises of  the  school  of  which  he  was  a  pupil,  at  the  age  of 
ten  years.  This  attempt  was  a  success,  and  then  and 
there  it  was  prophesied  that  he  would  one  day  become 
an  orator  of  eminence.  His  parents  were  too  poor  to 
purchase  shoes  for  him;  thus,  while  making  this  speech, 
his  feet  were  bare,  and  there  were  seen  patches  on  the 
knees  of  his  pants.  At  this  early  age  (nine)  he  was 
often  chosen  by  the  older  members  and  officers  of  his 
church  to  lead  the  prayer-meetings.  At  twelve  he  was  a 
prominent  teacher  in  the  Sunday-school.  Being  im- 
pressed with  the  religious  zeal  of  this  boy  disciple, 
the  ministers  and  older  Christians  predicted  for  him  a 
call  to  the  ministry.  Looking  to  this  end  he  was  per- 
suaded by  them  and  Rev.  C.  T.Walker,  then  his  pastor, 
to  enter  the  Augusta  Institute,  now  the  Atlanta  Baptist 
Seminary.  In  November  of  1888  he  entered  this  school 
with  eight  dollars  and  a  half,  and  in  a  way  that  he  can't 
explain  remained  there  six  months  on  that  sum,  supple- 
mented only  by  a  little  meal  and  wood  brought  now  and 
then  from  his  country  home.  When  he  left  school  he 
taught  a  private  school  in  Burke  county,  near  Green's 
Cut,  for  ten  dollars  per  month.  In  the  summer  of  the 
same  year  he  resigned  this  school  to  teach  at  Millen, 
Ga.,  at  $15.00  per  month.  In  the  fall  of  1879,  as 
the  school  had  moved  from  Augusta  to  Atlanta,  he  en- 
tered Haven  Normal  School  at  Waynesboro,  Ga., 
and  remained  there  for  several  months.  In  the  spring 


106  THE  BLAck  SIDE. 

of  1880  he  was  taken  by  Rev.  Robert  Kelsey  to  a  very 
dark  section  of  country  on  the  line  of  Screven  and  Burke 
counties.  This  was  a  section  unvisited  before  by  any 
but  local  instructors,  and  the  people  were  almost  idol- 
atrous in  their  worship,  and  in  every  respect  were 
much  in  need  of  both  a  leader  and  instructor.  In  this 
capacity  he  worked,  gaining  the  confidence  and  respect 
of  both  white  and  colored.  The  Bible,  hymn  books  and 
Sunday-school  literature  were  introduced,  and  the  people 
came  ten  and  twelve  miles  to  be  instructed.  For  five 
years  he  labored  in  this  section  with  almost  marvelous 
success.  He  has  been  styled  "the  father" of  this  country, 
and  to-day  there  are  hundreds  of  young  men  and  women 
who  regard  him  the  greatest  benefactor  of  their  lives. 
In  the  fall  of  1880  he  resumed  his  studies  at  the  Sem- 
inary. Since  his  connection  with  the  Seminary  he  has 
studied  modern  languages,  viz.,  Latin  and  Greek,  both  at 
Paine  Institute,  Augusta,  Ga.,  and  by  correspond- 
ence from  Chautauqua  school  by  Alfred  A.  Wright. 
Though  starting  penniless  he  has  saved  up  his  earnings 
and  now  owns  very  valuable  property  in  Augusta, 
Ga.,  his  present  home.  When  the  grocery  firm  of 
F.  P.  Johnson  &  Co.  failed  in  Augusta,  Ga.,  in  1881, 
he  was  a  heavy  loser,  being  in  school  but  having  stock  in 
that  firm.  He  is  a  stockholder  both  in  the  Augusta  Sen- 
tinel and  the  colored  State  Fair  Company.  In  the  spring 
of  1880  he  was  licensed  to  preach  (Rev.  C.  T.  Walker, 
pastor),  and  in  December,  i8Si,  was  ordained  to  the 
Gospel  ministry.  Shortly  after  his  ordination  he  \vas 
called  to  the  pastorate  of  Zion  Baptist  Church.  Burton 
Ferry,  Ga.  Under  his  pastorate  this  flock  greatly 
prospered,  a  new  house  of  worship  being  built,  and  many 
were  added  to  the  church,  At  the  close  of  two  years' 
labor,  from  1882  to  1884,  he  resigned  this'  flock,  to  the 
regret  of  all.  In  1883,  he  was  called  to  the  Murphy 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  107 

Ebenezer  Baptist  Church,  Girard,  Ga.,  which  he  ac- 
ceptably served  two  years.  He  was  also  called  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  St.  Paul  Baptist  Church  in  this  year, 
which  he  served  very  successfully  for  three  years.  In 
1884  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Thankful 
Baptist  Church,  Waynesboro,  Georgia.  This  church  had 
fallen  into  utter  insignificance,  having  no  land,  no  house, 
no  money  and  very  few  members.  It  was  regarded  as 
a  failure.  The  other  churches  and  denominations  had 
the  town.  Fifteen  persons  was  a  large  congregation. 
By  his  hard  work  and  shrewd  management  it  has  grown 
to  be  the  strongest  church  in  the  town.  They  have  pur- 
chased a  lot  and  built  a  large  and  attractive  edifice,  and 
every  service  there  the  church  is  crowded  to  overflow- 
ing. In  referring  to  his  success  there,  Rev.  C.  T. 
Walker,  D.D.,  said,  "Nobody  else  could  have  done  what 
Johnson  has  done."  For  nine  years  the  Lord  has  pros- 
pered his  labors  there.  In  1885  he  was  called  to  the 
pastorate  of  Palmer  Grove  Baptist  Church,  near  Green's 
Cut,  Ga.,  at  which  place  he  has  built  a  large  and 
substantial  house  of  worship,  paid  off  all  of  the  old 
church  debts,  and  baptized  many  precious  souls.  In 
1889  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  Franklin  Cov- 
enant Baptist  Church  where  he  was  baptized,  and 
preached  three  years  with  great  success.  In  1887  he 
was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  Elim  Baptist  Church, 
Summerville,  Augusta-,  Ga.,  which  church  he  now 
serves.  This  church  had  the  sworn  opposition  of  nearly 
•every  church  in  Augusta,  but  by  earnest  effort  he  has 
built  a  fine  house  of  worship  and  largely  increased  its 
membership,  and  the  church  is  now  regarded  as  one  of 
the  strongest  and  most  influential  churches  of  the  city. 
The  city  folks  take  great  delight  in  riding  three  miles  out 
to  the  village  to  hear  its  pastor  preach.  The  Northern 


108  %  THE  BLACK  SIDE 

guests  from  the  great  Bon  Air  Hotel  regard  it  a  pleasure 
to  resort  to  this  church  and  listen  to  his  sermons. 

At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  was  elected  as  a  delegate  to 
the  Walker  Baptist  Association  by  his  church,  and  served 
on  important  committees.  Since  that  time  he  has  been 
regarded  as  one  of  the  leaders  of  that  Association.  For 
ten  years  Ire  has  served  on  the  Executive  Board.  He  is 
chairman  of  the  local  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Walker 
Baptist  Institute,  and  has  done  much  to  bring  that  school 
up  to  its  present  degree  of  prosperity,  and  toward 
shaping  its  future  usefulness.  He  has  long  served  as  a 
member  of  the  Executive  Board  of  the  State  Baptist 
Sunday-school  Convention,  and  at  the  last  session  of  that 
body  was  elected  its  vice-president.  He  is  one  of  the 
directors  of  the  colored  State  Fair  located  at  Augusta, 
Ga.  Prominent  among  the  addresses  and  sermons 
delivered  upon  special  occasions  were  the  following: 
"  The  Needs  of  the  Colored  Ministry,"  delivered  at  the 
centennial  celebration  of  the  Baptists  of  Georgia  in 
Savannah,  1888;  "The  Duty  of  the  Colored  Baptists  to 
send  the  Gospel  to  Africa*"  delivered  before  the  Foreign 
Mission  Baptist  Convention  of  the  United  States  in 
Louisville,  Ky.;  and  "The  Enemies  of  the  Cross," 
introductory  sermon  preached  to  the  Missionary  Baptist 
Convention  of  Georgia  at  Cuthbert  in  1891.  He  has 
baptized  more  than  1,200  persons,  and  is  still  laboring  in 
the  Master's  vineyard.  Success  to  him  through  future 
life  as  it  has  been  through  his  past. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  109 

REV.  A.  B.  MURDEN, 

STATE  MISSION  AKY— ELOQUENT  BAPTIST  DIVINE. 

Few  young  men  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven  have  ac- 
complished more  or  exerted  a  broader  influence  for 
good  than  has  Rev.  A.  B.  Murden.  He  first  saw  the 
light  on  the  plantation  of  Judge  Howell  Bunkley,  near 
Crawfordville,  Ga.,  August  25,  1865.  He  was  the  sev- 
enth son  of  Jerry  and  Sarah  Ann  Murden.  Being  a 
bright  boy  from  babyhood,  the  people  predicted  great 
things  for  him. 

The  white  people  called  him  Bartow,  in  honor  of  the 
great  Southern  General,  but  the  colored  folks  called  him 
Ulysses  Grant,  hence  the  name  Aaron  Bartow  Ulysses 
Grant  Murden . 

At  the  age  of  nine  young  Murden  was  sent  to  school. 
He  soon  proved  to  be  a  very  bright  boy;  so  rapidly  did 
he  learn  that  many  offered  to  take  him  and  educate  him, 
but  his  mother  was  not  willing  to  have  him  leave  home. 
As  a  lad  he  was  thoughtful  and  active  and  always  wanted 
to  earn  something  for  himself. 

A  pleasing  little  incident  is  that  when  about  twelve 
years  old  he  bottomed  a  chair  for  a  neighbor  and  re- 
ceived in  payment  an  old  hen.  At  another  time  he  earned 
a  goose,  and  from  that  time  he  began  to  earn  money.  He 
became  quite  skillful  in  making  brooms,  horse-collars  and 
foot-mats.  These  articles,  when  sold,  brought  many  dol- 
lars to  his  widowed  mother. 

When  about  sixteen  years  old  young  Aaron  found  him- 
self an  orphan,  thrown  upon  the  world  to  care  for  him- 
self. He  had  always  been  a  great  lover  of  his  mother, 
and  now  that  she  who  had  been  his  best  friend  was  dead, 
he  resolved  to  leave  the  old  home  place. 

He  had  a  great  thirst  for  knowledge,  but  to  gain  it  he 


110  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

must  have  money,  and  this  he  had  not.  He  resolved  to 
find  work  on  the  railroad  so  that  he  might  earn  money 
enough  to  defray  his  expenses  at  school  one  term  at  least. 
Accordingly  he  left  his  home  and  came  to  Atlanta,  but 
not  until  the  crop  was  gathered  and  he  had  attended  to 
all  the  business  which  his  mother  had  left  undone.  After 
settling  the  debts  of  the  farm,  paying  the  doctor's  bill  and 
burial  expenses  of  his  mother,  he  found  that  he  had 
twenty-five  dollars  for  himself. 

On  reaching  Atlanta  he  went  to  see  his  cousin,  Mr.  W. 
A.  Jackson,  at  whose  house  he  left  his  trunk  and  other 
articles.  Before  leaving  the  city  he  deposited  twenty- 
two  dollars  in  the  bank,  and  boarded  the  cars  for  Mari- 
etta, Ga.,  with  three  dollars  in  his  pocket.  While  on  the 
cars,  boy-like,  he  bought  a  ring  for  a  dollar  and  a  half. 
On  reaching  Marietta  he  found  he  must  walk  forty  miles 
to  Dallas,  Ga.,  at  which  place  he  was  to  engage.  On  the 
way  some  one  stole  a  dollar  from  him,  so  when  he 
reached  his  destination  he  had  only  fifty  cents. 

The  E.  T.,  V.  &  G.  R.  R.  was  being  constructed  at 
that  time,  and  he  engaged  at  grading  for  a  dollar  and  a 
quarter  per  day.  His  manliness,  activity  and  faithfulness 
to  duty  soon  brought  him  to  the  place  where  he  earned 
a  dollar  and  seventy-five  cents  a  day.  At  first  he  boarded 
at  nine  dollars  per  month,  but  soon  found  this  a  poor  way 
to  save  money,  so  he  built  him  a  little  shack  in  the  woods 
and  did  his  own  cooking.  He  found  by  so  doing  he  could 
live  on  three  dollars  a  month.  Some  of  my  readers  may 
not  know  what  a  shack  is.  It  is  a  very  small  house  built 
of  logs  and  daubed  with  mud.  It  has  a  stick-chimney,  a 
dirt  floor  and  is  just  high  enough  for  a  man  to  get  in.  In 
such  a  house  our  hero  lived  from  March  till  August, 
1882. 

In  this  short  sketch  we  cannot  mention  all  the  incidents, 
but  the  reader  may  i  est  assured  they  were  many  and  va- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  Ill 

ried.  Young  Murden  was  the  only  Christian  but  one 
working  on  the  road  at  that  time.  Most  of  the  men 
spent  Sundays  in  gambling;  but  he  went  out  and  found  a 
church  into  which  he  gathered  the  children  and  told  them 
about  Jesus,  that  one  who  died  to  save  them. 

He  witnessed  many  crimes,  and  many  accidents  oc- 
curred. Several  times  he  narrowly  escaped  with  his  life. 

Rev.  Murden  tells  of  one  most  remarkable  incident.  It 
was  the  25th  of  March,  1882;  he  had  been  holding  the 
jumper  from  seven  o'clock  till  near  twelve,  when  the 
man  who  was  driving  the  steel  said,  "Murden,  I  guess 
you  are  tired  now,  let  me  hold  and  you  drive."  They 
were  working  in  a  deep  cut,  and  a  huge  stone  looked 
frowningly  down  upon  them.  Murden  had  said,  "Mitch- 
ell, I  think  that  rock  there  is  cracked."  Mitchell  had 
proposed  to  examine  it  in  a  few  minutes.  Scarcely  had 
the  words  died  from  his  lips  when  down  came  the  mas- 
sive rock  upon  him.  He  was  leaning  over  the  jumper, 
and  so  great  was  the  force  that  the  steel  was  driven  right 
through  his  breast.  His  head  was  terribly  mashed;  he 
brought  one  convulsive  groan  and  was  dead.  A  piece  of 
the  rock  struck  young  Murden  in  the  side  and  hurled  him 
quite  a  distance.  Think,  he  had  gotten  up  from  the  steel 
only  about  ten  minutes  before  Mr.  Mitchell  was  killed ! 
What  a  narrow  escape  and  what  an  evidence  of  God's 
providence  over  those  whom  he  chooses  to  do  a  great 
work  in  his  name. 

Remember,  Murden  was  only  sixteen  years  old  at  this 
time,  and  he  thought  this  narrow  escape  was  a  warning 
to  him,  so  he  resolved  to  leave  the  road.  But  he  first 
went  to  God  in  prayer,  and  the  Spirit  seemed  to  say  to 
him,  "I'll  be  with  you,"  so  he  decided  to  work  until  Au- 
gust. 

It  was  always  a  glad  day  for  him  when  the  pay-train 
came.  No  one  knew  where  his  bank  was,  but  he  always 


112  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

wended  his  way  to  a  certain  rock  away  off  in  the  woods, 
under  which  he  concealed  his  well-earned  wages. 

In  August  he  returned  to  Crawfordville.  Having  earned 
enough  money  to  defray  his  expenses  at  school,  he  en- 
tered the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary  the  following  Octo- 
ber. , 

He  had  not  been  at  the  seminary  long  before  the 
teachers  found  him  to  be  really  a  promising  youth.  As 
a  student  he  was  thorough  and  inquisitive.  He  was  never 
reproved.  He  realized  that  his  opportunity  was  worth 
all  the  effort  he  could  put  forth,  so  he  spent  no  time  in 
idleness.  As  a  schoolmate  he  was  genial  and  loving,  al- 
ways good-natured,  hence  he  was  loved  by  all  the  stu- 
dents. 

The  second  year  of  his  attendance  at  the  seminary  Mr. 
Harden  did  not  seek  a  boarding  place  in 'the  city,  but 
stopped  in  the  dormitory,  where  a  number  of  the  young 
men  did  their  own  work.  Wednesday  was  his  cooking 
day.  You  need  not  think  he  merely  cooked  special  things 
on  that  day;  it  means  he  did  not  cook  anything  but  once 
a  week. 

During  the  summer  vacation  of  1883  Mr.  Murden 
taught  school  at  his  home.  He  was  quite  successful  as  a 
teacher,  and  the  people  loved  him  as  they  were  wont  to 
do.  He  taught  school  five  consecutive  summers,  and  thus 
earned  money  to  defray  his  expenses  at  school.  Every- 
where he  was  loved  by  patrons  and  scholars,  and  always 
made  warm  friends  wherever  he  went. 

In  1886  Mr.  Murden  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the 
Friendship  Baptist  Church,  Crawfordville,  Ga.  He  at 
once  showed  marked  ability  as  a  pulpit  orator,  and  evinced 
signs  of  becoming  one  of  the  foremost  preachers  in  the 
State. 

In  1888  Rev.  Murden  preached  the  introductory  ser- 
mon of  the  State  Baptist  Sunday-school  Convention  at 


MISS  M     B.   JOHNSON. 


„'] 


W.   G.   JOHNSON. 


BEV.     MADISON,  C.B.,  MASON,  B.D.,  D.D. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  113 

Savannah,  Ga.,  which  led  to  his  being  'appointed  State 
Missionary  by  the  State  Convention. 

As  a  missionary  Rev.  Murden  was  untiring  in  his  ef- 
forts and  faithful  in  visiting  destitute  places.  For  four 
years  he  traveled  over  the  State  preaching  the  gospel  and 
doing  what  he  could  to  lift  his  race  to  a  higher  standard 
of  morality,  intelligence  and  true  Christian  living. 

Let  the  reader  be  assured  that  a  missionary's  path  is 
not  always  a  smooth  one.  Many  times  has  Rev.  Murden 
had  to  walk  twenty  and  thirty  miles  in  order  to  meet  his 
appointments.  He  was  not  always  received  by  the  peo- 
ple, and  not  a  few  times  has  he  gone  without  food  forty- 
eight  hours.  But  Rev.  Murden  had  a  true  missionary 
spirit,  and  allowed  none  of  these  things  to  move  him.  He 
went  about  doing  what  his  hands  found  to  do,  with  the 
firm  conviction:  Where  there's  a  will  there's  a  way.  He 
has  many  pleasant  memories  of  persons  converted  through 
his  own  personal  influence.  Many  times  has  he  known 
wicked  men  to  cry  out  while  he  was  yet  preaching.  He 
has  that  peculiar  gravity  which  draws  people;  having 
been  once  heard  he  never  fails  to  get  a  congregation.  • 

We  need  not  add  that  as  a  missionary  Rev.  Murden 
was  abundantly  successful.  By  his  resolute  will  and  firm 
trust  in  God  he  has  made  an  excellent  record  and  done  a 
great  work  among  his  people.  He  has  the  honor  of  being 
called  the  best  financier  of  all  the  missionaries  of  Georgia. 

As  an  orator  Rev.  Murden  is  quite  fluent,  and  we  make 
no  mistake  when  we  say  eloquent.  His  graduating  ora- 
tion in  May,  1 886,  won  for  him  quite  a  name  as  a  speaker. 
As  a  preacher  he  is  a  deep  and  ready  thinker  and  never 
fails  to  make  an  impression. 

Since  May  ist,  1892,  Rev.  Murden  has  been  pastor  of 
the  First  Baptist  Church,  LaGrange,  Ga.  He  has  little 
experience  as  pastor;  but  thus  far  he  has  been  quite  sue- 


114  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

cessful.  He  has  won  a  warm  place  in  the  hearts  of  the 
people,  and  the  prospects  are  that  his  career  in  the  line  of 
church  .work  may  be  a  brilliant  one . 

In  October,  1891,  Rev.  Murden  married  Miss  Dora  A. 
Jackson,  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  a  graduate  of  Spelman  Semi- 
nary. Theirs  was  a  happy  union.  Their  home  is  made 
cheerful  by  a  bright  little  boy,  A.  B.  Murden,  Jr. 

Rev.  Murden  is  a  graduate  of  the  Normal  and  Theo- 
logical departments  of  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary. 

May  this  short  sketch  inspire  some  young  man  of  mean 
circumstances  to .  rise  up  and  make  for  himself  a  name. 


REV.  ROBERT  SCHELL, 

SUCCESSFUL  MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  October  12,  1855, 
at  Barnesville,  Pike  county,  Ga.  As  a  slave  he  was  the 
property  of  the  man's  daughter  for  whom  the  town  was 
named  (Barnes);  and  was  when  emancipated  on  a  farm 
three  and  one-half  miles  from  Barnesville,  and  was  in  his 
tenth  year.  His  father,  Vine  Schell,  then  moved  back 
to  town,  and  then  it  was  that  Robert's  pilgrimage  began 
without  learning  or  experience.  He  was  first  hired  out 
as  house  boy;  after  which  he  moved  to  Griffin,  Ga.,  and 
entered  a  public  school  taught  by  Northern  ladies.  This 
was  in  1866.  After  staying  in  school  for  a  few  months 
he  was  again  put  out  in  service,  this  time  working  in  a 
barroom.  Leaving  that,  he  was  then  put  to  work  on 
the  farm,  where  he  spent  two  years,  and  endured  many 
hardships,  being  without  a  mother's  care.  In  187°  his 
father  moved  the  family  on  a  farm  at  Milner,  Ga.  In  1872 
Robert  was  apprenticed  to  the  blacksmith  trade,  at  which 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  115 

he  worked  during  the  day,  going  to  school  at  night. 
Eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-four  found  him  again  in 
school  at  Barnesville.  During  this  same  year  he  also 
worked  as  brickmason  ;  after  which  he  served  as  a 
teamster;  and  next  as  a  cook  in  a  restaurant.  In  Feb- 
ruary, 1877,  he  married  a  Miss  Lilian  Schell,  and  in  the 
fall  of  the  same  year  moved  to  Atlanta.  His  first  em- 
ployment after  coming  to  this  city  was  that  of  teamster 
for  a  Mr.  F.  Kicklighter.  Soon  after  this  he  worked  on 
the  custom  house,  which  was  then  in  course  of  erection. 
When  his  work  on  aforesaid  building  gave  out  he  em- 
ployed himself  at  draying  for  seventy-five  cents  per  day; 
finally  his  wages  were  raised  to  ninety  cents. 

In  the  spring  of  1880  Mr.  Schell  was  converted,  united 
with  the  Friendship  Baptist  Church,  and  was  baptized  by 
Rev.  Frank  Quarles,  who  was  then  pastor.  He  was 
elected  church  clerk  soon  afterward,  and  served  in  this 
capacity  for  seven  years.  During  this  time  he  was  still 
draying,  working  in  the  wholesale  grocery  o,f  a  Mr.  Smith, 
whose  place  of  business  was  on  Alabama  street.  He  had 
so  far  gained  the  confidence  and  respect  of  his  employer 
that  his  wages  were  raised  from  ninety  cents  per  day  to 
ten  dollars  per  week,  and  the  entire  business  of  shipping 
goods  was  put  into  Mr.  Schell's  hands. 

Mr.  Smith  carried  on  an  extensive  shipping  business, 
and  many  thousands  of  dollars'  worth  did  Mr.  Schell  send 
to  all  parts  of  Georgia,  North  and  South  Carolina  and 
Florida. 

While  caring  for  his  physical  wants  he  wished  also  to 
contribute  to  his  mental  wants;  so  he  entered  the  A.  B.  S., 
but  continued  in  the  service  of  Mr.  Smith,  working  for 
him  every  afternoon  after  school  hours.  Of  course  his 
wages  were  not  so  much  then,  but  were  sufficient  to 
enable  him  to  provide  for  his  family  and  keep  himself  in 
school.  Mr.  Schell  felt  that  he  was  called  to  the  minis- 


116  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

try,  and  he  wished  to  prepare  himself  for  this  great  and 
grand  work.  He  was  given  license  in  1886  by  the 
Friendship  Baptist  Church,  while  attending  the  Seminary, 
and  in  the  following  year  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of 
the  Shiloh  Baptist  Church  at  Dallas,  Ga.  In  the  fall  of 
the  same  year  he  went  into  business  with  J.  T.  Schell  (his 
brother)  at  No.  145  West  Peters  street.  During  his  stay 
at  Dallas  he  built  a  neat  house  of  worship,  and  baptized 
between  eighteen  and  twenty-five  persons.  In  the  spring 
of  the  next  year  Mr.  Schell  became  ill,  and  lost  all  his 
possessions  but  a  home  for  his  family.  In  1889  he  was 
appointed  State  Missionary,  which  he  followed  two  years, 
during  which  time  he  was  instrumental  in  the  conversion 
of  between  one  hundred  and  fifty  and  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  souls,  who  professed  to  know  Christ  in  the 
pardon  of  their  sins. 

He  has  given  up  the  missionary  work,  but  serves  in 
the  city  whenever  he  can,  together  with  serving  the 
churches  at  Dallas  and  Douglasville,  Ga.  He  is  also  in 
charge  of  the  McKinley  Temple  in  West  Atlanta,  and  is 
now  considering  a  call  to  the  Enon  Church,  Campbell 
county. 

Rev;  Schell  is  a  member  of  the  Executive  and  Educa- 
tional Boards  of  the  Friendship  Association. 

Thus  it  can  be  seen  by  these  few  pages  that  Rev. 
Schell  has  already  accomplished  much  good  and  proved 
himself  worthy  of  the  life  God  has  given  him. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  117 


REV.  MADISON  C.  B.  MASON,  A.M.  B.D., 

POSTMASTER  — BRILLIANT  PASTOR— FIELD  AGENT  OF 
THE  FREEDMEN'S  AID  AND  SOUTHERN  EDUCATIONAL 
SOCIETY  OF  THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

Rev.  M.  C.  B.  Mason  was  born  of  slave  parents  on  a 
sugar  farm  near  Houma,  La.,  March  27,  1859. 

When  ten  years  of  age  he  was  placed  in  the  village 
school,  where  he  mastered  the  alphabet  in  one  day. 
Reaching  the  limit  of  the  country  schools  in  the  fall  of 
1874,  he  entered  the  State  Agricultural  and  Mechanical 
College,  at  New  Orleans,  La.,  in  January,  1875.  This 
being  a  mixed  school,  he  received  no  little  persecution 
and  ill  treatment  on  account  of  color.  He,  however, 
refused  to  leave,  and  stood  at  the  head  of  his  class  from 
March  till  the  close  of  the  school  in  July. 

Rev.  Mason  was  principal  of  the  town  school  of 
Houma,  where  he  was  once  a  student,  from  1877  to  1880. 
In  the  fall  term  of  1880  he  entered  New  Orleans  Univer- 
sity, but  left  in  the  spring  term  of  1881  to  become  post- 
master of  his  native  town.  In  1883  he  joined  the  Louis-, 
iana  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and 
was  stationed  at  Haven  Chapel,  near  New  Orleans,  when 
he  re-entered  New  Orleans  University,  graduating  from 
the  classical  department  in  1888.  In  the  pastorate  Rev. 
Mason  has  been  successful,  as  his  work  at  Haven,  Thomp- 
son and  Mallalien  Churches  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans 
will  show.  It  was,  however,  while  pastor  of  Loyd  Street 
Church,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  that  he  deservedly  won  his  popu- 
larity as  a  preacher  arid  pastor.  During  a  pastorate  of 
two  years  the  church  greatly  prospered  under  his  minis- 
trations, more  than  doubling  its  membership  during  this 
time. 

After  coming  to  Atlanta  he  became  a  student  of  Gam- 


118  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

mon  Theological  Seminary,  from  which  he  graduated 
with  high  honors  in  1891.  Almost  immediately  thereaf- 
ter he  was  elected  field  agent  of  the  Freedmen's  Aid  and 
Southern  Educational  Society  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  being  the  first  colored  man  in  his  church  who 
had  been  honored  with  such  a  position.  He  holds  the 
position  at  this  writing  and  is  doing  great  service  for  the 
churches  and  the  race. 

Rev.  Mason  is  a  man  of  fine  scholastic  taste,  discrim- 
inating in  his  choice  of  books  and  the  subjects  which  he 
treats.  He  has  been  North  several  times  on  lecturing 
tours,  and  has  published  several  of  his  addresses.  His 
addresses  are  specimens  of  eloquence,  rhetoric  and  pol- 
ish. His  life  is  an  inspiration  for  those  who  come  after 
him. 


MR.  H.   A.   HAGLER, 

EDITOR— STATIONER. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  March  21,  1866,  in 
Fairfield  county,  S.  C.,  and  is  therefore  about  twenty-seven 
years  of  age.  His  parents  were  poor,  and  their  resi- 
dence being  in  the  country,  they  were  illiterate,  though 
possessing  those  sterling  qualities  of  honor,  love  of  duty 
and  strict  integrity,  which  they  have  transmitted  in  so 
large  a  measure  to  their  son. 

His  boyhood  was  spent  in  the  most  arduous  toil,  ren- 
dered imperative  by  the  poverty  of  his  people  and  the 
scarcity  of  money.  His  first  visit  to  the  schoolroom 
was  when,  as  a  small  boy  of  seven,  he  walked  four  miles 
to  a  country  school  taught  by  an  aged  and  irascible  white 
man,  who  assisted  the  young  idea  to  shoot,  with  a  club 
and  strap.  Here  he  learned  his  alphabet  and  in  two 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  119 

months'  time  was  reading.  The  school  then  closed — 
the  closing  of  which  was  but  the  opening  of  the  youth- 
ful student's  study  time;  alone  and  with  occasional  help 
from  passers-by  and  traveling  workmen,  he  pursued  his 
studies. 

When  the  term  opened  again  he  had  so  far  advanced 
that  he  could  "  skip"  a  class.  The  school  continued  only 
three  months — another  long  spell  of  wait  and  study;  thus 
passed  his  boyhood  until  he  reached  his  fifteenth  year. 
During  this  period  he  acquired  a  taste  for  reading  every 
almanac,  newspaper,  circular,  magazine,  or  book  of  any 
shape  or  size.  When  first  he  found  what  "  nice  reading" 
was  in  the  Bible,  he  determined  to  have  one  of  his  own; 
having  secured  it,  for  three  years  he  read  and  reread 
until  he  knew  it,  until  his  mind  was  full  of  its  truth,  and 
with  texts  ever  ready  to  illustrate  and  prove  its  truths, 
when  later  in  life  he  went  to  lead  others  in  the  Sunday- 
school  and  debating  club,  he  found  how  valuable  to  him 
had  been  the  carrying  of  that  Bible  in  his  pocket  for 
years. 

His  next  acquisition  in  the  book  line  was  a  dictionary  ; 
alone  he  mastered  the  mystery  of  the  diacritical  marks,- 
and  there  in  his  country  home,  where  the  English  spoken 
is  a  kind  of  patois,  he  commenced  to  purify  his  English*, 
finding  that  there  were  different  forms  of  speech,  he  com- 
menced to  study  the  methods  and  art  of  expression, 
which  later  gave  him  prominence  as  a  writer  of  strong, 
pure  English  in  a  clear,  concise  style. 

When  about  fifteen  the  horizon  of  his  country  home 
seemed  to  become  too  small,  so  he  removed  to  Columbia, 
S.  C.,  then  the  Mecca  of  all  aspiring  youths  in  that  section. 
There  he  heard  of  the  inducements  offered  by  Charles- 
ton to  young  men  and  went  there,  but  not  liking  the  cold 
welcome  accorded  him,  he  hastened  to  Savannah  where 
he  spent  eight  years.  By  the  time  he  reached  Savannah 


120  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

his  money  was  about  gone,  fand  he  looked  upon  a  posi- 
tion in  a  barber  shop — though  a  menial  one — as  a  god- 
send. 

He  was  polite,  he  was  spry,  he  was  anxious  to  learn ; 
hence  soon  we  see  him  as  a  knight  of  the  scissors  and 
razor  plying  his  calling. 

If  we  are  to  judge  the  past  by  the  present,  we  may 
know  that  he  shaved  close  and  cut  rapidly  and  to  the  line 
in  a  barber  shop  as  well  as  in  the  editorial  sanctum. 

Ever  desirous  of  chang'e,  when  that  change  promised 
advancement,  he  seized  the  first  opportunity  to  learn  the 
printer's  trade  by  entering  the  employ  of  Kuckuk  & 
Lieman,  prominent  job  printers,  where  he  learned  to 
fumble  the  em  quod,  manipulate  the  shooting  stick,  and 
explore  the  deep,  dark  mysteries  of  the  helve  box,  and 
knock  things  generally  into  "pi."  A  job  office,  while  it 
is  a  good  place  to  learn  to  set  type  in,  is  not  a  good  place 
to  learn  journalism,  and  at  last  our  young  man  has  dared 
to  determine  to  bejcome  a  journalist.  In  the  office  of  that 
great  daily  he  saw  the  inner  workings  of  a  first-class  pa- 
per, the  association  with  brainy  men  in  an  air  saturated 
with  journalistic  vim,  developed  the  fever  in  the  young 
man ;  once  more  his  horizon  is  too  contracted  for  him.  We 
are  a  little  surprised  to  see  him  assume  managerial  con- 
trol of  the  People's  Journal,  published  at  Rome,  Ga.  Here 
he  stayed  four  or  five  months,  when  an  advertisement  in 
an  exchange,  the  Atlanta  Times,  for  a  competent  printer 
to  act  as  foreman  and  manager,  determined  him  to  come 
to  Atlanta,  that  magnetic  city  to  which  so  many  strong 
men  seem  naturally  to  gravitate.  Finding  the  Times  in  a 
shaky  financial  condition,  and  having  been  disappointed  in 
the  promised  position  as  foreman  and  manager,  and  an- 
other installed  in  his  stead,  he  worked  there  as  a  subor- 
dinate until  he  secured  a  position  in  a  white  job  office. 
At  this  time,  without  a  dollar  in  his  pocket  and  not  one 


MISS  VICTORIA    MADDOX. 


H.    A.    HAGLER. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  121 

friend  in  town— in  fact  with  only  a  few  acquaintances, 
with  no  one  to  aid — he  determined  on  carrying  into  effect 
the  darling  project  of  his  heart,  to  start  a  paper  of  his 
own.  The  People's  Advocate  was  the  result.  Started  as 
a  monthly,  soon  the  financial  status  enabled  him  to  make 
it  a  weekly,  and  with  the  same  increase  in  circulation 
through  the  coming  time,  it  will  not  be  long  before  the 
people  will  call  it  into  a  daily. 

Most  colored  papers  start  (after  great  advertising) 
with  a  boom,  then  "peter  out."  The  Advocate,-  born  out  of 
time,  cradled  in  the  editor's  pocket,  having  for  an  office 
the  editor's  hat,  has  had. a  phenomenal  run;  each  issue  is 
larger  than  the  last,  and  there  are  never  any  back  copies 
to  be  had.  The  growth  of  the  circulation  is  uniform. 

The  paper  is  Hagler,  and  Hagler  is  the  paper.  The 
paper  is  the  best  in  the  South,  and  compares  in  matter 
and  finish  favorably  with  any  Negro  publication  in  this 
country. 

It  was  largely  through  Mr.  Hagler's  influence  that  the 
recently  organized  Negro  Press  Association  of  Georgia 
was  called  into  being;  he  labored,  wrote,  spoke,  and  can- 
vassed for  it.  As  its  Vice-President  and  member  of  the- 
Executive  Committee,  he  will  have  much  to  do  with  its 
policies  and  future  usefulness.  Thus  his  field  is  enlarging; 
he  is  a  young  man  of  promise;  look  out  for  him  in  the 
future. 

Believing  that  the  home  is  the  chief  corner-stone  of  the 
State,  Mr.  Hagler  married  early.  His  was  a  love 
marriage.  His  wife,  M.  Francessa,  is  a  dutiful,  sympa- 
thetic, intelligent  and  helpful  helpmate,  and  it  is  said  is 
one  of  the  most  competent  compositors  ever  employed  in 
the  office.  Two  beautiful  children,  a  girl  and  boy,  have 
blessed  this  union.  In  his  home  Mr.  Hagler  is  a  model 
husband,  kind,  gentle  and  loving. 

After  the  establishment  of  the  Advocate,  he  had  asso- 


122  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

ciated  with  him  in  his  job  office  Mr.  Moses  Amos,  a 
thorough  business  man  and  pleasant  gentleman,  the  lead- 
ing Negro  pharmacist  in  the  State  in  point  of  ability  and 
experience.  After  continuing  the  pleasant  business  rela- 
tions for  sometime  Mr.  Amos  retired,  Mr.  Hagler  pur- 
chasing his  interest.  Thus  Mr.  Hagler  runs  the  best 
Negro  paper  in  Georgia,  the  only  Negro  job  office  in 
Atlanta,  and  the  largest  Negro  bookstore  in  the  South. 
He  has  made  Negro  literature  a  specialty  since  his  open- 
ing business. 

If  we  judge  a  man  by  what  he  has  overcome,  keeping 
in  view  the  obstacles  which  he  has  surmounted,  the 
depths  from  which  he  has  ascended  and  the  heights  at- 
tained, then  no  fair,  impartial  man  could  withhold  from 
this  man  the  claim  of  heroism  which  is  justly  his  due. 

His  mind  is  still  growing;  in  his  editorials  there  appears 
more  profoundness  of  thought;  his  investigations  are  still 
going  on.  What  may  we  not  hope  from  the  future  of  this 
man  who  has  triumphed  so  grandly  in  the  past  ? 


PROFESSOR  W.  H.  CROGMAN,  A.M. 

William  Henry  Crogman,  who  occupies  the  chair  of 
Latin  and  Greek  in  Clark  University,  in  this  city,  in 
Christian  character,  scholarship  in  his  department,  liter- 
ary ability,  general  culture,  and  distinguished  services, 
stands,  it  is  not  too  much  to  say,  the  equal  of  any -of  the 
great  educators  of  the  country.  He  is  thoroughly  capa- 
ble to  honor  a  professorship  in  any  college  in  the  land. 

Professor  Crogman  was  born  in  the  year  1841,  on  the 
beautiful  little  island  of  St.  Martin,  in  the  West  Indies. 
In  his  fourteenth  year  he  left  that  island  with  a  gentleman 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  123 

by  the  name  of  B.  L.  Boomer,  at  that  time  first  mate  on 
a  vessel.  Mr.  Boomer  from  the  first  became  very  much 
interested  in  young  Crogman,  and  after  returning  home 
in  Massachusetts,  sent  him  to  the  district  school,  where 
he  made  a  good  record.  He  afterwards  followed  the  sea 
•along  with  Mr.  Boomer's  brother,  who  was  also  a  sea- 
faring man  and  captain  of  a  vessel.  In  this  way  the 
boy  Willie,  as  he  was  then  called,  had  the  privilege  of 
visiting  many  lands,  England,  Sweden,  Germany,  Aus- 
tralia, Calcutta,  Bombay,  Brazil,  Argentine  Republic, 
Peru,  Chili,  and  many  other  places.  Being  observant 
and  thoughtful,  while  even  a  lad,  Professor  Crogman  ob- 
tained a  wide  knowledge  of  men  and  things. 

Just  here  I  insert  a  few  words  from  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Boomer,  read  at  Professor  Crogman's  fiftieth  anniversary : 

"  It  has  been  my  good  fortune  to  know  our  good  friend 
air  the  way  from  his  fifteenth  to  his  present  fiftieth  year, 
and  it  would  afford  me  the  greatest  satisfaction  if  I  could 
feel  that  his  great  success  in  all  these  years  had,  in  any 
manner,  been  furthered  by  me.  On  the  contrary,  his 
untiring  perseverance,  diligent,  wise  and  studious  use  of 
his  time  and  money  made  him  from  the  first  inde- 
pendent of  all  save  our  love,  respect  and  never  ceasing 
interest ." 

In  1866,  at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Boomer  that  an 
academic  education  would  make  him  more  useful,  the 
young  man  Crogman  began  to  earn  money  and  lay  it 
away  for  this  purpose.  In  1868  he  entered  Peirce  Acad- 
emy, Middleboro,  Mass.,  where  he  took  a  course  of  study 
comprising  the  higher  English  branches  and  French.  He 
also  took  a  commercial  or  business  course  in  a  commer- 
cial college  at  that  time  connected  with  the  academy. 
While  attending  this  school  he  had  to  encounter  (though 
not  in  the  school)  that  fiendish  race  prejudice  which 
everywhere  among  white  people  in  this  country  ostracizes 


124  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

the  Negro.  Nevertheless,  he  completed  his  course  with 
honor  to  himself  and  credit  to  his  race. 

Professor  J.  W.  P.  Jenks,  of  Brown  University,  Provi- 
dence, R.  I.,  who  was  at  that  time  principal  of  the 
academy,  writes  these  good  words  in  reference  to  his 
splendid  scholarship  and  rapid  progress  made  under  him. 
He  says: 

"Beginning  with  me  in  the  elementary  English 
branches,  I  may  safely  say,  in  them  all,  he  accomplished  in 
one  quarter  as  much  as  the  average  student  did  in  two, 
mastering  almost  intuitively,  and  with  equal  facility,  both 
mathematical  and  linguistic  principles,.  So  rapid  was 
his  progress  in  his  classes  that  I  formed  him  into  a  class 
of  one,  lest  he  should  be  hindered  by  the  dullness  of  other 
students.  In  the  third  quarter,  he  commenced  French, 
and,  as  I  have  often  said,  surpassed  every  one  of  the  hun- 
dreds of  students  in  both  rapidity  of  advancement  and 
accuracy  of  scholarship.  I  need  say  no  more,  except 
that  his  record  since  leaving  the  academy,  taking  all  the 
extenuating  circumstances  into  account,  has  reflected 
greater  honor  upon  me  as  its  principal,  and  his  almost 
sole  instructor  while  connected  with  it,  than  any  other 
alumnus." 

Having  completed  his  studies  at  the  academy,  he 
.turned  his  footsteps  southward  in  order  that  he  might 
devote  the  energies  of  his  life  to  the  elevation  of  his  peo- 
ple. In  the  fall  of  1870  he  was  employed  in  Claflin  Uni- 
versity, Orangeburg,  S.  C.,  and  taught  there  three  years. 
Desiring  to  render  himself  more  proficient  in  his  chosen 
work,  he  came  to  Atlanta  in  the  fall  of  1873  a°d  entered 
the  Atlanta  University,  from  which  institution  he  gradu- 
ated in  1876  in  the  first  class  of  young  men  that  came 
out  of  that  school. 

Professor  Frances,  of  the  Atlanta  University,  on  Pro- 
fessor Crogman's  fiftieth  birthday,  in  a  speech,  paid  the 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  125 

Professor  a  most  glowing  tribute  both  with  reference  to 
his  scholarship  and  his  conduct  while  a  student.  He  said 
that  the  Professor  had  carried  away  as  his  bride  one  of 
their  noblest,  most  gifted,  and  cultured  young  ladies, 
Miss  Lavinia  C.  Mott,  of  Charlotte,  N.  C. 

In  September  of  that  same  year,  1876,  he  was  called 
to  a  position  on  the  faculty  of  Clark  University,  where 
he  still  remains  teaching  with  great  acceptability  to  stu- 
dents and  employers,  the  classic  tongues  of  Greece  and 
Rome.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  the*  name  of  Professor  W.  H. 
Crogman  has  done  more  to  win  respect  for  Clark  Uni- 
versity and  draw  students  to  it  than  the  name  of  any  or 
all  who  have  been  connected  with  the  institution. 

In  token  of  respect  for  this  great  man  and  his  services, 
on  his  fiftieth  birthday,  at  a  reception  given  him  by  Dr. 
Thirkield,  he  received  many  valuable  gifts  from  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  country,  North  and  South.  Among  these 
were  an  elegant  gold  watch,  a  set  of  beautiful  Carlsbad 
china,  nine  handsomely  bound  volumes  of  ancient  classics, 
along  with  a  large  ornamental  inkstand,  from  which  rolled 
one  hundred  dollars  in  gold.  The  china  was  especially 
appropriate,  as  it  recognized  the  merit  of  Mrs.  Crogman,' 
who  is  the  queenly  helpmeet  of  the  noble  subject  of  this 
sketch,  and  presides  over  one  of  the  most  cultured  homes 
of  this  land.  She  is  a  worthy  mother  of  seven  children. 

In  1884  Professor  Crogman  was  elected  one  of  the 
secretaries  of  the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  To  this  office,  which  he  filled  with 
great  efficiency,  he  was  again  elected  in  1888.  Rev- 
D.  S.  Monroe,  D.D.,  the  chief  secretary,  who  nominated 
him,  sa\s,  "I  was  certainly  fortunate  in  securing  the  ser- 
vices of  one  so  efficient,  educated,  modest  and  gentle- 
manly as  Professor  Crogman. 

Rev.  Charles  H.  Payne,  D.D.,  Secretary  of  the  Board 
of  Education  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  says  of  him,  "  I  have 


126  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

watched  his  course  with  a  brother's  interest,  and  have 
rejoiced  to  see  his  loyalty  to  principle  and  his  fidelity  to 
duty.  Few  men  in  our  church  have  rendered  more  use- 
ful service  in  our  educational  work  than  he.  Few  men 
have  maintained  a  more  straightforward  and  manly 
course,  or  acted  more  wisely  under  all  circumstances,  than 
has  he." 

Another  distinguished  man  said  of  him,  "  He  is  an 
honor  to  the  human  race.  I  wish  the  world  were  full  of 
such  men." 

These  tributes  show  that  by  fidelity  to  right  principles 
one  may  make  his  life  useful,  admirable,  grand. 

Some  years  ago,  a  university  of  good  standing,  wishing 
to  do  honor  to  Professor  Crogman,  conferred  upon  him 
the  degree  of  LL.D.,  which  degree  he,  nevertheless,  re- 
spectfully declined.  Professor  Crogman  has  also  won 
great  distinction  for  himself  and  great  respect  for  his 
people  by  his  wonderful  power  and  gift  of  speech .  On 
manifold  occasions  he  has  had  the  honor  of  addressing 
the  most  cultured  audiences  with  greatest  acceptability. 
At  Ocean  Grove,  at  Henry  Ward  Beecher's  church,  at  the 
National  Teachers'  Association,  and  many  other  places 
of  note,  Professor  Crogman  has  spoken,  and  has  never 
failed  to  come  up  to  expectations. 

In  conclusion,  and  for  the  benefit  of  the  rising  genera- 
tion, we  may  say  that  the  life  of  this  remarkable  man  is 
only  an  illustration  of  the  truth  of  jScripture,'  which  saith, 
"  Blessed  is  the  man  that  is  diligent  in  all  things;  he  shall 
stand  before  kings." 


MISS  MADDOX. 

No  person  can  ever  tell  how  much  the  world  owes  to 
its  mothers  and  good  guardians.  We  can  never  be  too 
grateful  for  the  unwearying  love  and  care  of  them.  And 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  127 

on  the  other  hand,  they  can  never  think  too  highly  of  that 
grand  work  of  training  children,  for  they  never  know 
for  what  glorious  work  they  are  training  them.  The 
mother,  grandmother  and  Spelman  Seminary  have  given 
to  Georgia,  in  the  person  of  Victoria  W.  Maddox,  a  wo- 
man in  which  the  race  might  be  justly  proud.  Her 
progress  is  an  eminent  example  of  that  perseverance  that 
in  its  onward  and  unwearied  march  conquers  all  difficul- 
ties, and  makes  what  would  be  stumbling-blocks  to  ordi- 
nary women  stepping-stones  to  prominence.  The  record 
of  her  life  is  full  of  interest,  and  it  is  impossible  to  give 
her  justice  in  this  small  sketch.  We  must  simply  satisfy 
ourselves  to  speak  of  some  of  her  common  characteris- 
tics which  have  caused  so  many  to  admire  her. 

Miss  Maddox  was  born  at  Stone  Mountain,  DeKalb 
county,  Ga.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Ned  and  Betsie 
Maddox,  who  lived  on  a  farm  near  Stone  Mountain. 
Her  father  died  when  she  was  but  four  years  old,  leaving 
her  widowed  mother  to  provide  for  her  small  children. 
The  difficulties  she  encountered  in  trying  to  care  for 
them  are  too  numerous  to  mention  here.  Her  parents 
were  both  members  of  the  Baptist  church,  her  father 
being  a  deacon.  Before  the  mother  had  been  left  long  to 
face  the  stern  realities  which  every  widow  experiences 
in  caring  for  their  children,  God  saw  fit  to  remove  her 
from  a  life  of  toils  and  disappointments,  and  this  left  the 
children  (three  in  number)  to  care  for  themselves. 

Through  the  kind  providence  of  God  they  managed  to 
provide  for  themselves  and  to  surmount  the  hills  of  ad- 
versity until  they  reached  the  age  of  maturity.  Miss 
Victoria  was  always  a  quiet,  modest  and  sweetly  disposed 
girl,  easy  to  be  instructed,  and  it  was  by  this  that  she  was 
influenced  in  the  right  direction.  A  short  time  after  the 
death  of  her  parents  she  joined  Bethsaida  Baptist  Church 
at  Stone  Mountain,  Ga.,  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev. 


128  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

E.  R.  Carter.     Her  Christian  life  was  exemplary.     Many 
were  her  disadvantages,  but,  like   a   woman,   she   sur- 
mounted them  all,  and  to-day  stands  shoulder  to  shoulder  • 
with  the  leading  young  women  of  her  race. 

Miss  Maddox  became  a  member  of  Spelman  Seminary 
in  1881,  when  the  school  was  in  the  basement  of  Friend- 
ship Baptist  Church,  Atlanta,  Ga.  Her  eagerness  for  an 
education,  her  devotion  to  her  studies,  her  deportment 
and  Christian  character  soon  won  the  love  and  respect 
of  her  teachers,  classmates  and  schoolmates.  Her  teach- 
ers .soon  recognized  in  her  one  who  gave  promise  of  be- 
ing a  large  factor  in  the  uplifting  of  her  race.  »She  grad- 
uated with  honor  in  1888.  She  was  retained  as  teacher 
in  her  Alma  Mater  in  1881  and  1889.  She  taught  suc- 
cessfully in  Howe  Institute,  Memphis,  Tenn.,  and  in  many 
other  places.  That  genial  and  compatible  disposition, 
that  earnest  desire  to  lift  her  race  intellectually  and  mor- 
ally, has  caused  her  to  be  admired  in  every  place  where 
she  has  labored.  In  1891  she  entered  the  Missionary 
Training  Department  of  Spelman  Seminary,  then  opened 
for  the  first  time,  and  completed  the  course  in  1893.  She 
has  ever  been  found  to  be  firm  in  her  religious  principles, 
never  swerving  from  the  right  to  please  others.  Being 
just  in  her  decisions  she  was  often  called  upon  by  her 
classmates  and  schoolmates  to  decide  questions  of  differ- 
ence among  them.  A  noble  Christian  worker,  she  lives 
to-day  an  ornament  to  her  race. 


A.   O.  LOCKHART,  M.D. 

Among  the  men  of  the  race  who  are  able  to  annex  the 
title  M.D.  to  their  names  is  found  this  one,  of  whom 
Atlantians  should  be  justly  proud.  No  one  of  whom  we 
have  spoken  is  more  worthy  of  space  in  this,  the  "  Black 


A.    O.   LOCKHEART,   M.D. 


MOSES   AMOS,  PH.  M. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  129 

Side,"  than  he.  No  one  deserves  more  praise  for  having 
surmounted  obstacles  than  does  A.  O.  Lockhart,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  narrative.  He  is  a  self-made  man,  having 
from  early  boyhood  up  to  the  present  depended  entirely 
upon  his  own  resources  for  a  livelihood.  Few  there  are 
who  are  willing  to  suffer  and  endure  what  he  did  to  gain 
an  education.  Not  many  would  have  braved  the  fury  of 
the  tempest  and  not  succumb.  But  our  hero  looked  be- 
yond the  means  to  the  end.  He  fought  to  obtain  the 
prize,  and  nothing  short  of  that  would  satisfy  him.  Con- 
sequently he  ranks  to-day  with  the  leaders  of  the  race, 
and  that  race  should  be  appreciative  of  such  leaders. 

In  the  village  in  which  he  was  reared  young  Lockhart 
was  considered  no  ordinary  youth,  and  a  bright,  useful 
future  was  predicted  for  him. 

To  prepare  himself  for  real  life- work  he,  in  i879,entered 
the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary,  where  he  took  a  complete 
course  of  all  the  studies  there  taught.  He  had  little  or 
no  ready  means  of  support,  but  by  hard,  honest  toil  suc- 
ceeded in  accomplishing  his  desires  in  the  line  of  educa- 
tion. Having  completed  his  course  at  the  A.  B.  S.,  and 
desiring  to  be  a  man  of  profession,  he  went  to  Meharry 
Medical  College  in  pursuit  of  the  needed  information. 
Gaining  that,  he  has  returned  to  us  ready  and  equipped 
to  fight  against  the  diseases  which  sometimes  hold  sway 
over  these  earthly  tabernacles  of  ours. 

Dr.  Lockhart  is  proficient  in  his  profession,  thus  re- 
ceiving a  pretty  good  amount  of  practice. 

He  possesses  a  strong  will  and  nerve,  and  believes  that 
victory  attends  the  daring,  success  awaits  the  persever- 
ing. All  honor  to  such  men! 

Albert  Owen  Lockhart  was  born  near  Hampton,  Henry 
county,  Ga.,  November  24,  1860.  Soon  after  the  war 
the  family  moved  near  Jonesboro  and  sett'ed  on  a  farm. 


130  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Here  this  young  man  resided  till  twenty-one  years  of 
age,  working  on  farm  and  doing  other  work  to  assist 
himself  to  acquire  the  much-needed  education. 

He  is  now  one  of  Atlanta's  noted  physicians  and  drug- 
gists, and  bids  fair  to  be  successful  in  his  profession.  Suc- 
cess to  him. 


IRWIN  W.  HAYES,  M.D., 

BRILLIANT  STUDENT,  SUCCESSFUL  TEACHER,  GRAND 
DEPUTY  FOR  THE  STATE  OF  GEORGIA,  ABLE  PHYSI- 
CIAN AND  SURGEON. 

Among  the  many  young  men  of  the  State  of  Georgia 
who  have  risen  above  the  clouds  of  ignorance  and  super- 
stition that  overshadowed  their  birth  and  early  life,  and 
are  destined  to  write  their  names  high  upon  the  pages  of 
history,  and  equally  indelibly  upon  the  hearts  of  men, 
perhaps  none  looms  up  with  more  promise  than  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch.  Irwin  W.  Hayes  was  born  at  Ten- 
nille,  Washington  county,  Ga.,  May  5,  1865.  He  was 
the  second  son  of  Charlotte  Hayes,  and  at  quite  an  early 
age  gave  signs  of  promise  and  future  usefulness.  Being 
of  Negro,  Caucasian  and  Irish  extraction  he  possesses  to 
some  extent  the  peculiarities  of  each.  His  early  life  was ' 
passed  at  Tennille  and  Sandersville,  Ga.,  and  it  was  at 
these  places  that  he  first  began  to  study  books.  At  the 
age  of  eight  he  was  hired  upon  a  farm  four  miles  in  the 
country,  and  was  assigned  the  work  of  a  "shepherd 
boy,"  watching  cattle  upon  the  pastures.  While  thus 
employed  he  was  seized  with  the  desire  to  know  some- 
thing. He  finally  obtained  a  spelling-book  and  was  not 
long  learning  to  spell,  then  to  read,  and  next  to  write.  At 
the  expiration  of  two  years  he  secured  a  position  at  San- 
dersville  which  enabled  him  to  attend  school  at  night, 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  131 

though  he  had  to  work  during  the  day.  Being  an  apt, 
swift  pupil,  at  the  age  of  twelve  he  entered  the  common 
school  under  the  principalship  of  Professor  J.  A.  Butler, 
and  completed  the  course  in  two  years.  Next  he  obtained 
employment  in  the  National  Hotel  at  Macon,  Ga.,  as  bell 
boy  at  night,  and  during  the  day  attended  the  Lewis 
High  School.  He  did  not  remain  here  very  long,  being 
summoned  home  on  the  account  of  sickness.  Subse- 
quently, being  without  sufficient  means  to  return  to 
Macon,  he  taught  a  small  school  during  the  summer,  but 
realizing  so  little  cash  from  this  he  left  for  Savannah, 
where  he  hoped  to  secure  work  whereby  he  might  be 
able  to  help  his  mother,  and  at  the  same  time  continue 
his  studies.  Failing  to  secure  such  work  in  Savannah  he 
embarked  upon  the  steamer  '-Halyson"  as  cabin-boy. 
During  his  two  years'  stay  with  this  vessel  he  recited 
daily  to  the  captain  (who  was  quite  a  learned  man),  and 
in  this  wav  completed  all  the  principal  English  studies, 
besides  enriching  his  life  by  traveling. 

During  his  voyages  he  touched  the  shores  of  the  great 
continents  of  the  earth.  In  1881  he  returned  to  this 
country,  entered  Cookman  Institute  at  Jacksonville,  Fla., 
where  he  completed  the  course  of  study  in  two  years, 
graduating  at  the  head  of  his  class.  In  this  institute  he 
was  considered  as  being  the  only  student  who  could 
break  and  make  classes  at  will.  October,  1883,  he  ma- 
triculated in  the  Clark  University  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  but 
being  in  poor  health  and  with  limited  means,  his  career 
here  was  uneventful.  He,  however,  completed  the 
higher  mathematics,  all  the  sciences  and  most  of  the  lan- 
guages. In  1885  he  had  some  altercation  with  the  fac- 
ulty of  the  university,  which  grew  out  of  a  misunder- 
standing between  himself  and  a  teacher.  Having  been 
indefinitely  suspended  he  demanded  a  proper  dismissal, 
entered  Benedict  College  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  and  gradu- 


132  THE  BLACK  SII>E. 

ated  from  the  scientific  course  with  the  degree  of  B.S. 
the  following  spring.  He  returned  to  Georgia  and  be- 
gan the  work  of  teaching  in  Greene  county.  Soon  after 
was  elected  President  of  the  Teachers'  Institute  of 
Greene  county,  which  position  he  very  creditably  filled 
for  two  years.  It  was  now  that  he  turned  his  attention 
to  the  study  of  medicine.  Accordingly  he  became  a 
student  of  the  Leonard  Medical  College  of  the  city  of 
Raleigh,  N.  C.  He  took  two  courses  of  lectures  and 
one  summer's  course  of  study,  after  which  he  graduated 
with  the  degree  of  M.D.  Was  twice  elected  from  this 
school  to  represent  the  medical  fraternity  before  the  Mis- 
sionary Association  of  North  Carolina.  This  he  did  in 
such  an  able  manner  that  he  elicited  the  praise  of  the 
whole  body. 

Leaving  Leonard  Medical  College  he  came  to  Geor- 
gia, and  during  the  summers  of  1889  and  1890  taught 
school  and  practiced  medicine  in  Hapeville,  Ga.  Hear- 
ing of  the  opening  of  city  hospitals  of  Nashville,  Tenn., 
to  colored  students,  he  determined  to  avail  himself  of  all 
the  clinical  advantages  possible.  Thus,  on  the  first  of 
November,  1890,  he  entered  the  Clinical  Sanitarium  of 
Nashville,  paying  strict  attention  to  surgery,  gynecology 
and  pharmacy,  and  again  was  awarded  the  degree  of 
M.D.  February,  1892.  During  his  stay  at  Nashville  he 
won  not  only  the  prize  for  excellence  in  practice,  but  car- 
ried off  the  gold  medal  which  was  offered  by  the  Inter- 
Collegiate  Association  at  their  annual  oratorical  contest 
of  1892.  Since  his  last  graduation  he  has  located  in 
Atlanta,  Ga.  Dr.  Hayes  has  proven  himself  a  thorough- 
going and  able  physician,  and  has  already  won  a  repu- 
tation of  which  any  young  practitioner  would  be  proud. 
He  takes  well  with  his  people,  commands  a  large  prac- 
tice and  is  highly  respected  by  all.  During  the  past  few 
months  he  has,  for  reasons  best  known'to  himself,  refused 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  133 

the  proprietorship  and  management  of  two  drug  stores. 
At  the  Biennial  Conference  of  the  Colored  Men's  Pro- 
tective Association  of  Georgia,  held  at  Atlanta,  July, 
1892,  he  figured  conspicuously  in  advancing  plans  for 
the  bettering  of  the  association,  and  was  unanimously 
elected  Grand  Deputy  for  the  State  of  Georgia.  This 
position  he  still  holds  to  the  satisfaction  of  all.  May  this 
young  man  live  long  that  he  may  do  much  good  for  the 
race  of  which  he  is  a  member. 


MOSES  AMOS, 

PHARMACEUTIST. 

In  the  city  of  Atlanta  there  lives  a  young  man  who 
has  established  himself  in  the  drug  business,  and  whose 
standing  in  the  community  makes  him  a  fitting  represent- 
ative of  the  State  of  Georgia  and  the  city  of  Atlanta. 

He  is  considered  as  one  of  the  solid  young  men  of  the 
city,  and  the  success  which  he  has  made  during  his  short 
life  should  not  be  kept  from  the  public.  The  number 
of  business  men  among  our  people  is  small  at  best,  and 
when  we  have  one  whose  deeds  are  worth  recording  let 
us  record  them. 

We  have  orators,  divines  and  professors  in  abundance, 
but  our  business  men  are  few,  and  especially  in  the  line 
of  business  represented  by  the  named  person. 

Not  many  launch  out  in  this  enterprise,  but  here  is  one 
who  is  well  equipped  in  the  business.  Mr.  Moses  Amos 
first  saw  the  light  of  day  at  Haynesville,  Ga.,  in  the  year 
1 8 — ,  where  his  early  days  were  passed. 

In  1876  he  came  to  Atlanta,  and  shortly  afterwards  en- 
tered Storr's  School.  He  remained  a  student  of  this 


134  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

school  till  he  completed  the  course  of  study  in  1885.  In 
the  fall  of  the  same  year  he  entered  the  Atlanta  Univer- 
sity, making  the  junior  "prep."  class.  After  passing 
awhile  as  student  of  that  institution,  because  of  business 
engagements,  he  was  not  able  to  finish  the  course. 

The  life  of  this  enterprising  young  man  is  a  history  in 
itself.  Quite  early  in  life  he  was  employed  by  Dr.  J.  C. 
Huss,  by  whom  he  was  given  a  thorough  knowledge  of 
pharmacology.  Seeing  that  Moses  was  of  quick  perception 
and  would  doubtless  be  of  great  service  to  him  in  his 
business,  the  doctor  took  great  care  in  teaching  him  phar- 
maceutics, little  guessing  that  at  some  future  day  he 
would  put  this  knowledge  into  practical  use  for  himself 
and  his  people. 

This  was  even  then  manifested  by  the  fact  that  most  of 
the  customers  of  the  store  were  the  patrons  of  Mr.  Amos 
and  not  of  Dr.  Huss.  He  remained  with  Dr.  Huss  until 
that  gentleman  sold  out  the  business  to  its  present 
owners,  Drs.  Butler  and  Slater.  When  they  assumed 
charge  of  the  business,  they  retained  Mr.  Amos,  finding 
in  him  just  what  they  desired.  At  first  his  salary  was 
small,  but  at  the  expiration  of  a  few  months,  it  was  raised 
to  quite  a  handsome  sum.  Mr.  Amos  is  still  with  this 
company  to  whom  he  has  rendered  great  satisfaction. 

He  is  one  of  the  shrewdest  young  business  men  in  the 
city,  and  for  his  true  worth  well  merits  the  honor  and 
respect  shown  him.  He  is  interested  in  several  paying 
enterprises,  and  an  owner  of  much  of  Atlanta  real  estate. 


THOMAS  HEATHE  SLATER,  M.D. 

In  the  town  of  Salisbury,  N.  C.,  December  25,  A.  D. 
1865,  Thomas  H.  Slater  came'into  this  life. 

His  early  life  was  passed  at  his  North  Carolina  home, 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  135 

where  he  received  a  complete  knowledge  of  the  rudi- 
ments of  an  English  education.  Having  gone  over  and 
over  again  the  same  studies,  young  Thomas  began  to 
think  of  going  to  Shaw  University  where  he  could  secure 
a  higher  course  of  study.  Just  as  the  necessary  prepa- 
rations for  his  leaving  were  completed,  death  came  un- 
announced and  robbed  him  of  his  father. 

This  was  in  1882,  and  of  course  all  thoughts  of  school 
were  temporarily  dismissed.  In  1882  Rev.  F.  C.  Potter, 
a  graduate  of  Lincoln  University,  suggested  the  idea  of 
going  to  that  school,  and  volunteered  his  assistance  in 
securing  a  scholarship  for  the  doctor.  In  this  Rev.  Potter 
was  successful,  and  in  September  of  the  same  year  the 
young  man  bade  farewell  to  his  mother,  his  friends  and 
the  home  of  his  childhood  and  took  leave  for  Lincoln. 
He  entered  the  university  as  a  "prep."  in  the  "A"  class. 

That  indomitable  spirit  of  conquest  and  victory  began 
to  manifest  itself,  and  he  began  to  strive  for  honors. 
Early  he  comprehended  the  words,  "  Knowledge  is 
Power."  As  he  succeeded  in  accumulating  knowledge, 
he  found  himself  more  and  more  in  the  possession^  of 
power,  and  to  stand  first  or  second  in  a  class  followed  as 
a  necessary  sequence  of  this  power.  At  last,  after  five 
years  hard  study,  he  was  graduated  in  June,  1887,  with 
first  honor  and  the  captor  of  the  Bradley  medal,  a  prize 
offered  for  the  best  average  in  a  five  years'  course  of  the 
natural  sciences. 

While  at  Lincoln  he  was  very  fond  of  the  classics,  and 
delivered  the  Greek  salutatory  on  Class  day  and  the  Latin 
salutatory  on  Commencement. 

From  Lincoln  his  thoughts  turned  to  Philadelphia,  the 
Mecca  of  the  followers  of  the  medical  faith.  Here  he 
received  his  first  blow  from  the  shillalah  of  prejudice. 
The  Medico-Chirurgical  College  of  that  city  is  a  dis- 
satisfied offspring  of  Jefferson  Medical  College,  the 


136  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Gibraltar  of  Southern  opposition  and  the  hotbed  of 
Southern  prejudice.  The  faculty  of  the  former  school, 
after  admitting  him,  summarily  informed  him  that  they 
could  not  admit  him  on  the  ground  that  it  was  not  ex- 
pedient for  that  year.  The  truth  was  that  the  white 
students  did  not  want  to  contend  with  a  Negro  for  class 
leadership.  The  fear  of  "Negro  domination"  is  a  bug- 
bear up  there  too. 

Nothing  daunted,  he  resolved  to  go  elsewhere,  and 
through  the  kindness  of  Dr.  G.  W.  Hubbard,  the  Dean 
of  the  Meharry  Medical  College,  he  was  allowed  to  enter 
that  school  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year,  1877.  In 
this  school  he  evinced  the  same  spirit  as  of  yore,  and 
with  his  present  partner  and  former  classmate,  Dr.  H.  R. 
Butler,  succeeded  in  capturing  "the  gold,"  Dr,  Butler 
winning  the  medal  for  excellence  in  dissecting  and  sur- 
gery, and  Dr.  Slater  the  one  for  excellence  in  obstetrics. 

Immediately  after  graduating  from  Meharry,  he  came 
to  Atlanta,  Ga.,  where  he  began  the  practice  of  medicine, 
and  with  Dr.  Butler,  opened  the  first  drugstore  in  the 
State  of  Georgia,  owned  and  operated  by  colored  men. 
'Tis  safe  to  say  that  they  are  doing  a  larger  retail  drug 
business  than  any  Negro  drug  business  in  the  United 
States.  His  practice,  scattered  among  Atlanta's  best 
class  of  Negro  citizens,  has  steadily  improved  in  value. 
The  doctor's  ability,  scholarship  and  talent  is  a  strong 
deniiil  of  the  lie  that  a  Negro  has  little  or  no  talent.  His 
intellect  towers  above  that  of  ordinary  men  as  the  church 
steeple  above  the  brick  chimney  of  the  ordinary  house. 
His  success  is  sure  and  a  bright  future  awaits  him . 


I.   W.   HAYES,   B.S.,   M.D. 


T.   H.  SLATER,   M.  D. 


DR.    H.    H.    BUTT.ER,  M.J). 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  137 


H.  R.  BUTLER,  A.B.,  M.D. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Cumberland 
county,  N.  C.,  April,  1862. 

His  early  life  was  spent  on  the  farm.  About  1876  his 
parents  moved  to  the  city  of  Wilmington,  N.  C.  Shortly 
after  reaching  the  city,  he  secured  employment  with  .the 
lumber  firm,  then  known  as  Colville,  Taylor  &  Co. 

Here  he  worked  himself  up  from  the  most  humble 
position  to  be  one  of  their  most  reliable  men.  Business 
becoming  dull  with  the  firm,  Mr.  Butler  pushed  himself 
out,  not  being  a  man  to  wait  for  something  to  turn  up, 
and  applied  to  the  Wilmington  Compress  Company  for 
employment.  He  was  received,  and  worked  with  this 
company  for  six  or  seven  years,  during  which  time  he 
worked  himself  up  from  a  hoop-straightener  to  a  cotton 
tier,  and  was  said  to  be  the  soberest  man  in  the  employ 
of  the  company.  It  was  in  this  latter  position  he  made 
the  money  to  start  him  in  school. 

Having  spent  only  three  months  in  free  schools,  his. 
education  was  of  course  limited.  Professor  E.  E.  Green, 
now  Dr.  Green,  of  Macon,  and  his  wife,  gave  him  a  few 
months  of  private  instruction  at  night,  preparatory  to  his 
entering  the  University. 

In  January,  1883,  Dr.  Butler  bade  his  many  friends 
good-bye,  saying  he  intended  to  make  a  man  of  himself, 
God  willing.  He  reached  Lincoln  University  January  3, 
1883,  and  after  spending  five  and  a  half  years  in  hard 
study,  and  often  in  need  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  he  was 
graduated  with  the  class  of  '87  with  the  degree  of  A.B. 
In  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  without  money  enough  to 
put  him  through  the  term,  he  entered  Meharry  Medical 
College,  Nashville,  Tenn.  While  there  he  won  the 
H.  T.  Noel  gold  medal  for  being  the  most  proficient  in 


138  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

operative  surgery  and  dissecting.  Five  days  after  re- 
ceiving his  degree  of  M.D.  and  diploma,  he  left  Nashville 
for  Atlanta,  Ga.  Here  he  put  out  his  shingle  and  is  now 
enjoying  a  large  and  lucrative  practice.  In  January  last 
he  was  appointed  by  the  democratic  governor  of  Georgia 
surgeon  to  the  Second  Battalion  of  Georgia  Volunteers, 
colored,  with  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant.  He  is  also  one 
of  the  leading  business  men  now  of  our  race.  He  and 
Dr.  T.  H .  Slater,  also  of  North  Carolina,  are  doing  the 
largest  retail  drug  business  of  any  colored  drug  establish- 
ment in  the  United  States. 

Dr.  Butler  and  his  partner  were  the  pioneer  druggists 
of  the  Negro  race  in  the  State  of  Georgia,  and  hence 
hold  the  first  pharmacy  license  ever  issued  to  Negroes  in 
the  history  of  the  State  of  Georgia. 


EDWARD  J.   TURNER, 

PHARMACIST. 

The  hope  of  the  nation  is  the  young  men,  whose  aspi- 
rations are  such  as  will  develop  them  into  good  and  loyal 
citizens. 

Their  habits,  conduct  and  common  pursuits  will  decide 
what  home,  society  and  government  will  be. 

And  when  we,  who  are  more  experienced,  more  ac- 
quainted with  the  ways  of  life,  see  younger  brothers 
striving  to  press  their  way  to  the  front  ranks  of  the  race, 
we  should  open  file  and  let  them  in  line.  One  calculated 
to  benefit  his  race,  full  of  ambition  and  loyalty,  is  the 
subject  of  this  sketch.  Until  Edward  was  six  months  of 
age  his  parents  were  in  easy  circumstances,  his  father 
being  the  leading  barber  of  the  town  in  which  he  lived; 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  139 

but  the  father  died*  misfortune  came,  and  their  possessions 
were  swept  away,  and  the  mother  found  herself  in  strait- 
ened circumstances.  She  toiled  arduously  for  the  main- 
tenance of  herself  and  child,  and  was  successful  in  pro- 
viding for  him  intellectually,  as  well  as  morally  and 
physically,  until  he  was  old  enough  to  assist  her.  The 
home,  which  to  the  mother  had  been  so  pleasant  during 
the  father's  life,  was  now  broken  up,  and  Edward,  hav- 
ing arrived  at  the  age  when  he  could  steer  alone,  launched 
his  boat  out  upon  the  broad  sea  of  life.  Coming  to  At- 
lanta, Ga.,  he  entered  the  Clark  University  that  he  might 
prepare  himself  for  life's  work.  His  financial  condition 
would  not  allow  him  to  remain  an  inmate  long  at  that  in- 
stitution. 

Having  a  knowledge  of  pharmacy,  he  was  offered  a 
situation  as  druggist  in  the  firm  of  Drs.  Asbury,  Taylor 
and  Company.  He  accepted  this  offer,  and  is  rendering 
satisfactory  service  to  all  concerned. 

Mr.  Turner  is  a  steady,  upright  young  man,  and  by  his 
gentility  and  agreeableness  of  disposition,  he  is  destined 
one  day  to  be  an  honored  citizen. 

He  is  quite  a  young  man,  not  yet  eighteen  years  old. 
Thus,  before  him  lies  a  whole  lifetime  of  usefulness,  and 
the  writer  hopes  that  he  will  exercise  his  ability  and  tal- 
ent to  do  good  wherever  and  whenever  needed.  Mr. 
Turner  speaks  most  tenderly  of  his  mother,  and  the 
precepts  taught  him  by  her  he  cherishes  fondly,  and  says 
whatever  goodness  or  greatness  he  may  attain  will  be  due 
to  the  teachings  of  his  Christian  mother  and  adviser.  He 
is  a  native  of  Enterprise,.  Miss. 


140  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 


MR.  WALTER  H.  LANDRUM, 

ONE  OF   ATLANTA'S   HONORED  CITIZENS— A   MODEL 

MAN. 

One  who  has  made  rapid  strides  up  the  ladder  of  suc- 
cess is  the  subject  of  this  paper. 

He  started  at  the  lowest  round,  but  by  perseverance,, 
industry  and  toil  he  has  already  reached  a  height  of  which 
the  most  ambitious  might  well  be  proud. 

His  mother  is  Mrs.  Eliza  Landrum,  a  woman  of  firm 
purpose,  who  used  great  care  in  the  training  of  her  chil- 
dren, of  which  Walter  is  the  second. 

From  his  mother  he  inherited  a  spirit  of  thriftiness,  for 
while  he  was  yet  quite  young  he  would  peddle  about  with 
cakes  and  pies,  or  do  any  sort  of  work  which  would 
bring  him  the  honest  dollar. 

When  he  was  but  nine  years  of  age  he  was  appren- 
ticed to  the  brickmason's  trade,  but  in  this  pursuit  money 
came  in  too  slowly  for  Walter,  so  he  obtained  a  more  lu- 
crative occupation  with  Mr.  Wesley  Darden,  who  paid 
him  a  salary  of  three  dollars  per  week.  He  desired  to 
do  even  better  than  this,  and  began  to  search  for  work 
which  jwould  pay  him  better.  Finally,  in  1876, he  secured 
work  with  the  Central  Railroad  of  Georgia,  and  has 
been  in  the  service  of  said  railroad  for  sixteen  years. 
Every  one  who  is  acquainted  with  Mr.  Landrum  knows 
he  is  the  embodiment  of  prudence,  economy  and  discre- 
tion combined. 

Before  engaging  in  any  action  he  first  considers  and  in- 
vestigates most  thoroughly,  and  whatever  he  may  realize 
from  any  movement  he  does  not  readily  throw  away.  In 
short,  he  exercises  wisdom  and  judgment  in  all  his  under- 
takings. His  dealings  with  his  fellow-men  are  charac- 
teristic of  fairness  and  equity.  In  truth,  it  may  be  said 
of  him  that  he  is  one  who  practices  the  lt  golden  rule."1 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  141 

As  a  worker  in  benevolent  organizations  he  has  few 
equals .  Has  for  years  been  identified  with  the  I.  O.  O.  F., 
in  which  body  he  has  held  the  highest  offices  in  its  gift. 
Passing  through  all  degrees,  he  has  filled  every  office  and 
is  now  Patriarch.  He  is  also  allied  with  the  Good  Samari- 
tan Lodge,  in  which  he  has  also  occupied  conspicuous 
places.  Mr.  Landrum  is  charitable  and  benevolent,  re- 
fusing help  to  no  one  who  is  needy;  an  advocate  of  every 
movement  having  for  its  object  the  elevation  or  advance- 
ment of  the  Negro.  He  is  associated  with  several  enter- 
prises of  this  city,  and  possesses  no  little  amount  of  her 
soil,  owning  many  desirable  lots  on  some  of  the  principal 
streets.  His  home  residence,  on  West  Mitchell  street,  as 
seen  in  the  cut,  is  attractive,  and  on  entering  it  one's  eyes 
are  made  to  feast  on  beauty  and  art.  An  amiable,  affec- 
tionate wife  presides  over  his  household  in  which  two 
lovely  children  scatter  sunshine. 

Aside  from  his  possessions  in  the  city,  Mr.  Landrum 
owns  a  productive  farm  consisting  of  fifty-five  acres.  This 
land  lies  along  the  Central  Railroad  and  is  within  three 
miles  of  Jonesboro,  Ga. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Friendship  Baptist  Church,  and 
an  honored  and  trusty  deacon,  a  teacher  in  the  Sunday- 
school,  and,  on  the  whole,  a  devout  worker  for  the  king- 
dom of  Christ.  He  pays  taxes  on  fifty-five  hundred  dol- 
lars' worth  of  property.  Mr.  Landrum  was  born  at 
Wintersville,  Ga.,  February  19,  1859. 


MR.  JOHN  T.  SCHELL, 

ENTERPRISING,  PROGRESSIVE,  RISING  CITIZEN. 
In  that  lovely  month  of  the  year  when  Nature  puts  off 
her  sable  costume  for  one   of  emerald,   when   the   buds 


142  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

begin  to  unfold  themselves  to  our  view  and  the  grass 
peeps  up  from  the  soil,  in  the  year  1857,  John  T.  Schell, 
the  subject  of  this  narrative,  came  into  this  life. 

Without  doubt  he  is  one  of  the  most  assiduous  in  bus- 
iness that  it  is  my  pleasure  to  know.  He  is  also  benev- 
olent, having  built  a  house  of  worship,  which,  unfortu- 
nately, was  destroyed  by  fire  some  months  ago.  Mr. 
Schell  is  a  native  of  Barnesville,  but  until  the  emancipa- 
tion lived  three  and  one-half  miles  from  that  town.  His 
mother  is  ,  his  father  Colonel  Wm. 

Fletcher,  a  lawyer  by  profession,  and  from  him  our  sub- 
ject inherited  the  business  talents  which  characterize  him- 

His  mother  having  married  a  man  by  the  name  of  Schell, 
he  took  his  stepfather's  name,  which  he  still  bears.  In 
1865  his  stepfather  removed  the  family  to  Barnesville, 
and  he  was  sent  to  live  with  an  aunt  in  Griffin,  Ga.  His 
aunt  hired  him  out  as  an  errand  boy,  but  he  had  oppor- 
tunity to  attend  school  part  of  each  day,  and,  being  apt, 
he  learned  quite  readily.  He  remained  with  his  aunt  till 
1867,  when  he  returned  to  his  mother,  who  apprenticed 
him  to  the  shoemaker's  trade.  Working  at  that  till  he 
served  out  his  apprenticeship,  he  came  up  to  Milner,  Ga., 
and  opened  a  shop  for  himself.  While  at  this  place  he 
met  and  married  a  Miss  Sarah  Fambro,  a  charming  girl 
in  the  bloom  of  youth.  After  his  marriage  he  stayed  on 
for  a  while,  when,  thinking  he  might  better  his  financial 
condition,  he  came  to  Atlanta.  After  reaching  this  city,  he 
found  it  exceedingly  hard  to  find  employment  at  his  trade. 
He  searched  and  searched  for  work,  but  all  in  vain. 

The  few  cents  he  had  brought  with  him  had  nearly  all 
been  spent,  and  he  had  not  the  means  to  open  a  business 
of  his  own.  He  had  a  wife  now  who  was  dependent 
upon  him;  what  must  he  do  ?  Finding  he  could  not 
secure  work  at  his  trade,  he  began  to  look  about  for 
other  employment.  Finance  was  at  a  low  ebb,  and  he 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  143 

must  get  work  of  whatever  nature.  Accordingly  he 
engaged  as  a  paint- washer  at  the  Markham  Hotel.  One 
day,  while  at  his  work,  he  discovered  that  the  hotel  boys 
were  ridiculing  him  because  he  did  not  wear  the  stylish 
"  tooth-pick  "  shoes.  Being  humiliated  at  this,  he  spent 
the  last  dollar  and  cents  he  had  for  a  pair.  Then  the 
idea  of  drudgery  and  "  tooth-pick  "  shoes  became  dis- 
gusting to  him,  and  he  resolved  to  seek  another  field  of 
labor. 

This  time  he  was  more  fortunate  than  at  first,  as  he 
succeeded  in  getting  work  at  his  trade  with  a  Mr.  Tines. 
His  wages  were  poor,  but  he  remained  with  Mr.  Tines 
till  he  was  offered  more  money  by  Mr.  Latham,  with 
whom  he  went  to  work.  He  was  soon  able  to  move  his 
family  to  Atlanta,  which  he  did,  but  the  expense  of  car- 
ing for  it  decently  was  more  than  he  could  do  with  his 
small  wages;  thus  he  left  his  trade,  purchased  a  receipt 
for  making  a  patent  soap,  and  by  this  enterprise  he  real- 
ized enough  cash  to  start  some  line  of  business.  vSo  he 
opened  up  a  small  grocery,  with  a  shoe  shop  attached,  on 
Peters  street.  This  was  his  starting  point.  His  busi- 
ness flourished,  and  ere  long  he  became  the  owner  of  the 
building  in  which  his  business  was  carried  on . 

Signal  success  has  attended  him  ever  afterward,  and 
he  is  now  classed  with  the  wealthiest  citizens  of  the  Gate 
City  of  the  South.  He  is  a  member  of  every  prominent 
enterprise  in  the  city,  an  extensive  dealer  in  real  estate, 
and  an  owner  of  much  of  that  real  estate.  He  has  a 
snug  bank  account,  and,  on  the  whole,  is  a  progressive 
and  rising  young  man.  A  cultured  and  amiable  wife  pre- 
sides over  his;  pleasant,  beautifully  arranged  home,  in 
which  four  bright,  merry  children  mingle  their  happy 
voices. 

Mr.  Schell  is  a  leading  spirit  in  political,  social  and 
financial  matters  in  this  city,  and  his  industry  and  atten- 


144  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

tion  to  business,  his  urbanity  and  sobriety,  characterize 
him  a  model  man.  In  addition  to  his  vast  amount  of  real 
estate  he  owns  a  well  supplied  dry  goods  establishment. 
He  is  master  of  his  trade,  having  followed  it  for  twenty- 
six  years.  In  connection  with  his  dry  goods  store  is  a 
shoe  store,  and  he  has  another  in  a  different  portion  of 
the  city.  Wonderful  has  been  his  success  in  so  few  years. 
Mr.  Schell  is  also  owner  of  a  neat,  three-storied  brick 
building  which  adorns  that  portion  of  the  city  in  which  it  is 
located. 


MR.  THOMAS  L.  LYMAN, 

A  RISING,  INDUSTRIOUS  YOUNG  MAN. 

Newnan,  Ga.,  in  Coweta  county,  was  the  scene 

of  this  young  man's  birth,  and  the  year  was  18 . 

He  only  spent  four  years  of  his  early  life  at  this  place, 
after  which  time,  his  father  having  died,  his  widowed 
mother  sent  him  to  Marietta,  Ga.,  where  he  was  to  live 
with  his  grandparents.  While  in  Marietta  he  attended 
school,  which  was  under  the  supervision  of  a  Mrs.  John- 
son. After  spending  five  years  in  Marietta,  he  returned 
to  Atlanta.  Leaving  Atlanta,  he  went  to  Opelika,  Ala., 
and  while  there  attended  school,  and  after  school  hours 
clerked  in  his  brother's  store.  Staying  with  his  brother 
till  misfortune  caused  him  (his  brother)  to  close 'his  place 
of  business,  he  then  returned  to  Atlanta  to  care  for  and 
assist  his  mother.  In  1888  he  married  Miss  Cora  Bos- 
well,  a  gentle,  refined,  intellectual  lady,  who,  together 
with  a  bright  little  boy  of  two  years,  makes  his  home  a 
comfort  and  joy. 

Mr.  Lyman  owns  a  most  beautiful  home  in  a  very  de- 
sirable portion  of  the  city,  the  hospitality  of  which  many 
friends  enjoy. 


RESIDFNCE  OF   W.    H.    LANDRUM. 


THOMAS   LYMAN. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  145 

He  is  a  model  young  man,  thrifty  and  saving;  and  his 
industrious,  economical  wife  shares  equally  his  sorrows 
and  his  joys. 

Mr.  Lyman,  of  course,  did  not  have  the  many  disad- 
vantages and  difficulties  to  encounter  which  so  many 
others  have  had,  but  nevertheless  he  was  a  poor  boy,  and 
accumulated  what  he  has  through  industry,  toil,  and  per- 
severance, and  that  is  saying  a  great  deal  for  him. 


MR.  JAMES   C.    ODOM, 

A  THRIVING  MERCHANT. 

Among  the  thorough-going  young  men  of  this  city 
who  are  full  of  energy  and  pluck  can  be  classed  Mr. 
James  C.  Odom.  He  is  genial  and  courteous,  and  pos- 
sesses in  no  little  degree  that  quality  which  is  termed 
grit.  His  parents,  perceiving  in  him  an  aptness  to  learn, 
placed  him  in  school  so  soon  as  he  was  old  enough  to 
attend.  They  were  soon  rewarded  by  James  having,  at 
an  early  age,  completed  with  credit  his  studies  in  the 
grammar  school,  and  being  prepared  to  enter  a  school  of 
a  higher  course  of  studies.  Consequently,  he  entered 
the  Atlanta  University,  where  he  applied  himself  dili- 
gently for  a  number  of  years.  Then,  deciding  that  he 
had  received  jso  much  from  his  parents  it  was  now  his 
duty  to  assist  them ;  accordingly  he  left  college  and  began 
teaching  school.  He  taught  for  a  successive  number  of 
years  in  the  State  of  Florida.  While  in  that  State  his 
father  died;  he  gave  up  his  work  there  and  ^returned 
home  that  he  might  care  for  and  comfort  his  mother. 
He  is  a  lover  of  home,  and  has  the  peace  and  protection 
of  it  at  heart.  Mr.  Odom  struggled  under  the  disad- 


146  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

vantages  common  to  all  colored  young  men,  and  by 
which  so  many  of  our  young  men  are  carried  down  the 
abyss  of  ruin;  but  possessing  an  indomitable  will  he  man- 
aged to  keep  his  head  above  the  sweeping  tide  ;  and  to- 
day is  a  model  young  man.  In  1890  he  commenced  the 
grocery  business.  This  was  known  under  the  names, 
Goodlett  &  Odom;  but  Mr.  Odom,  in  a  few  months, 
bought  out  Mr.  Goodlett's  share  and  is  now  sole  owner 
of  the  house.  This  has  not  proved  a  failure,  but  the 
stock  of  two  hundred  dollars  with  which  he  began  has 
increased  eight  times  its  value.  He  makes  a  splendid 
living  for  himself  and  family,  and  has  no  mean  supply 
Jaid  by  for  days  which  may  be  rainy.  For  one  of  his 
years  Mr.  Odom  has  done  remarkably  well;  and  how 
well  he  may  yet  do  is  for  the  coming  years  to  decide. 
The  future  is  big  with  promises  for  him.  He  believes 
that  he  can  do  what  others  have  done.  He  has  no  place 
in  his  vocabulary  for  "  I  can't." 

Recently  Mr.  Odom  was  married  to  the  accomplished 
and  amiable  Miss  Pickens  of  this  city,  in  whom  he  pos- 
sesses a  jewel  of  much  value.  He  is  not  a  native  of 
Atlanta,  having  first  beheld  the  light  of  day  in  Carroll- 
ton,  Ga.,  A.  D.  1864. 


MR.  PETER  F.  HOGAN* 

ANOTHER  RISING  YOUNG  MAN. 

Were  two-thirds  of  the  Negro  population  of  Atlanta 
made  u^>  of  such  thrifty  men  as  is  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  it  would  be  well  with  the  entire  city;  for  he  is  one 
who  possesses  in  a  considerable  degree  the  requisites  for 
the  advancement  of  a  people  like  ours.  He  did  not  live 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  147 

during  the  days  of  bondage;  but  while  justice  was  de- 
manding the  liberation  of  the  slaves  and  injustice  was 
struggling  to  fasten  more  tightly  the  shackles  which 
already  bound  them,  Peter  first  opened  his  eyes  to  the 
light  of  this  world.  He  experienced  some  sadness  dur- 
ing his  early  life.  When  only  seven  years  old  his  father 
was  burnt  to  death.  After  the  death  of  his  father,  he, 
with  his  mother  and  brother,  went  to  live  with  his  grand- 
father. Soon  after  they  had  settled  themselves  comfort- 
ably at  their  new  home  the  summons  came  for  the 
grandparent  to  join  the  innumerable  caravan  gone  on  be- 
fore. Then  the  family  was  once  again  dispersed.  The 
boys,  though  young,  undertook  farming,  but  with  no  help 
except  that  of  a  mother  found  it  a  difficult  task.  There 
was  a  school  being  taught  in  their  little  village,  and  they 
were  both  anxious  to  attend;  but  the  mother  could  not 
spare  them  both;  so  she  sent  one  son  one  week  and  the 
other  son  the  next  week;  thus  trying  to  do  her  duty  by 
both.  Finally,  she  was  advised  to  give  Peter  as  much 
advantage  in  school  as  possible,  as  he  displayed  a  quick 
and  clear  perception  ;  so  Peter  was  sent  daily  to  school'. 
In  1886  he  came  to  Atlanta,  thinking  that  in  this  city  he 
might  have  better  opportunities  to  become  a  more  useful 
man.  His  ambition  was  to  assist  in  the  elevation  and  the 
advancement  of  his  people;  and  with  this  cherished  hope 
in  his  bosom  he  entered  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary  to 
prepare  himself  more  thoroughly  for  the  work.  He  first 
felt  that  he  could  do  the  most  good  for  the  race  by 
preaching  the  gospel;  then  he  decided  that  perhaps  this 
was  not  his  talent,  and  that  he  could  the  better  preach  to 
his  people  by  teaching  their  children.  Accordingly,  for 
quite  a  number  of  years,  he  taught  school  in  different  lo- 
calities, when  he  finally  decided  that  he  would  invest  the 
proceeds  of  his  labor  in  some  line  of  business.  Conse- 
quently, he  began  grocery  keeping  with  a  small  stock, 


148  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

which  stock  has  increased  to  the  amount  of  three  or  four 
thousand  per  year. 

In  1890  Mr.  Hogan  purchased  a  lot  on  Greenferry 
avenue,  on  which  he  soon  had  erected  a  two-story 
building,  the  lower  floor  of  which  is  used  as  his 
storehouse,  being  20x90  feet.  He  has  a  considerable 
amount  of  cash  and  some  valuable  real  estate,  all  of 
which  was  accumulated  in  five  years.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  Salem  Baptist  Church,  and  an  untiring  Sunday- 
school  worker;  a  useful  and  law-abiding  citizen.  He 
hails  from  Lincoln  county,  Leathersville,  Ga.,  and  was 
born  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1864. 


LEWIS  H.  COX, 

SHIPPING  CLERK,  STENOGRAPHER,  MERCHANT. 

Without  doubt  no  occupation  of  the  mind  is  so  pleas- 
ant as  that  indulged  in  when  one  looks  over  the  lives  of 
industrious,  devout  and  Christian  young  men,  who  are 
unpretending,  unassuming  and  gentle  in  manner.  Mr. 
Lewis  Cox  is  a  young  man  of  tbu*s  make-up.  He  was 
born  at  Meansville,  Ga.,  nine  miles  below  LaGrange,  De- 
cember 10,  A.  D.  1864. 

His  parents  remained  at  the  home  of  his  birth  till  the 
year  1869,  when  they  came  to  Atlanta,  bringing  with  them 
their  two  children,  Lewis  and  Laura.  Being  industrious 
and  economical  they  soon  saved  enough  of  their  earnings 
to  purchase  a  comfortable  home.  In  1884  the  father  died, 
leaving  Lewis  and  Laura  to  the  care  and  protection  of 
the  mother.  The  son  then  felt  that  the  care  of  his  wid- 
owed mother  and  his  sister  rested  upon  himself,  and  be- 
ing of  a  sufficient  age  to  seek  work,  he  sought  and  ob- 
tained employment  with  Mr.  W.  Darden,  working  on  the 
farm,  and  in  this  line  became  a  professional  farmer. 
During  portions  of  the  year  he  attended  the  Storr's 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  149 

School,  where  he  applied  himself  diligently  to  study  and 
wasted  not  a  moment.  All  of  his  hours  of  rest  from  his 
labors  were  spent  in  study.  In  this  way  he  acquired  a 
pretty  fair  education. 

In  1879  he  entered  the  A.  B.  S.  with  a  view  to  com- 
pleting the  Normal  Course,  but  scarcely  had  he  begun 
his  studies,  when  because  of  ill  health  his  mother  could 
spare  his  assistance  no  longer.  This  noble  son  gave  up 
his  cherished  hopes  of  continuing  his  studies,  left  school 
and  again  sought  work,  which  he  found  with  the  firm  of 
Duncan  &  Camp  as  a  shipping  clerk.  He  served  the  firm 
in  that  capacity  for  several  years,  giving,  by  his  strict  at- 
tention to  business,  entire  satisfaction. 

In  1890  he  accepted  the  position  as  bookkeeper  and 
clerk  in  the  grocery  business  of  Mr.  Nick  Holmes,  who 
finds  him  indispensable,  so  successfully  and  thoroughly 
does  he  execute  his  tasks. 

Some  years  ago  Mr.  Cox  professed  the  hope  of  Christ, 
was  baptized  by  the  distinguished  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter,  and 
united  with  the  Friendship  Baptist  church. 

His  promptness  to  the  services,  his  punctuality  and 
activity,  combined  with  the  devotion  displayed  in  the 
meetings,  soon  won  for  him  a  warm  place  in  each  heart, 
and  the  whole  body  of  the  church  desired  his  services 
as  clerk  of  the  church.  He  was  made  clerk,  and  to  his 
honor  it  is  said  that  one  more  faithful  in  the  discharge  of 
his  duties  is  yet  to  be  found. 

Mr.  Cox  studied  shorthand  under  the  Rev.  Samuel 
P.  Smith,  of  Halifax,  England,  and  in  it  became  quite 
an  expert. 

The  writer  cannot  do  justice,  in  the  small  space  set 
apart  for  this  narrative,  to  this  young  man.  All  he  might 
say  will  be  praiseworthy,  but  this  little  sketch  will  show 
that  Mr.  Cox  has  made  the  beginning  which  marks  for 
him  a  bright  future  and  a  glorious  end. 


150  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

J.  W.   COX, 

DEVOUT  CHRISTIAN,  USEFUL  CITIZEN. 

This  gentleman  was  born,  A.  D.  1819,  in  Murray 
county,  Ga.  Though  born  and  reared  during  slavery 
days,  his  treatment  was  better  than  that  of  the  average 
slave,  as  his  master  was  his  father. 

Very  early  in  life  he  married  Miss  Martha  Ray,  a  free 
woman,  and  to  them  were  born  five  children.  Soon  after 
the  birth  of  the  fifth  child,  the  mother  died,  leaving  the 
father  and  children  to  lament  her  loss.  Some  years  af- 
ter her  death,  Mr.  Cox  met  and  married  Miss  Emily 
Griffin  of  the  State  of  Alabama.  To  this  union  were 
given  ten  children. 

Soon  after  the  surrender  Mr.  Cox  was  chosen  chair- 
man of  a  committee.  This  was  the  Reconstruction 
Committee.  He  fain  would  have  accepted  this  honor,  but 
being  illiterate,  said  he  was  unprepared  for  the  duty  in- 
volved therein.  Feeling  the  need  of  education,  he  re- 
solved to  pursue  the  road  to  the  acquisition  of  knowledge. 
Thus  he  began  to  study,  but  the  duties  and  cares  of  life 
came  so  heavily  upon  him  that  he  could  not  long  continue 
his  studies. 

In  1872  he  removed  to  Atlanta,  at  which  place  he  lived 
till  his  death,  which  occurred  a  few  months  ago.  He  be- 
gan work  in  this  city  by  running  hacks,  and  getting  a  start 
in  life  by  this  means  of  employment,  he  went  into  the 
shoemaker's  work.  Serving  out  his  apprenticeship  of 
several  years,  he  opened  a  business  of  his  own,  hiring  his 
own  help,  paying  them  from  seventy-five  cents  to  one 
dollar  a  day.  This  line  of  business  proved  a  success,  and 
soon  in  connection  with  it  he  opened  up  a  beef  market 
and  a  grocery  store.  His  success  was  rapid  and  steady. 
Selling  his  property  at  West  Point,  which  he  owned,  he 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  151 

invested  the  proceeds  in  real  estate  in  Atlanta,  and  soon 
became  the  possessor  of  valuable  land  in  this  city.  Dur- 
ing all  his  life  he  proved  a  model  husband,  devoted  father, 
a  worthy  and  useful  citizen. 

This  good  man  passed  from  this  life  not  long  since,  af- 
ter bearing  uncomplainingly  for  several  months  the  se- 
verest illness,  to  the  "  Home  beyond  the  skies."  He 
leaves  a  wife  and  several  children  to  grieve  his  absence. 
He  was  connected  with  the  M.  E.  Church  (Loyd  street) 
of  this  city,  in  which  he  was  a  most  devout  and  useful 
worker.  He  left  his  family  in  easy  circumstances,  hav- 
ing accumulated, by  hard,  honest  toil  and  industry,  several 
thousand  dollars'  worth  of  property. 

He  fought  the  good  fight,  finished  his  course,  then 
entered  his  Master's  rest.  He  was  connected  with  a  lodge 
of  Odd  Fellows,  being  P.  N.  F.  of  his  organization. 


MR.  GREEN  W.  WILSON, 

AKCHITECT  AND  BUILDEK. 

He  is  a  young  man  of  acute  business  talent.  Though 
comparatively  young  he  has  had  to  encounter  many  dis- 
advantages, and  has  come  in  contact  with  many  obsta- 
cles, but  his  indomitable  will  and  unswerving  energy 
have  made  him  successful  in  life  thus  far.  He  has  never 
given  over  to  disappointments,  has  never  yielded  to  fail- 
ures ;  the  result  of  which  is  that  he  ranks  with  those  who 
are  fast  approaching  the  front  in  the  accumulation  of  this 
world's  goods.  He  is  a  mechanic  of  the  first  order,  ap- 
plying his  skill  to  the  architectural  part  of  the  profession. 
With  his  clever  knowledge  of  drawing  he  is  able  to  make 
all  his  plans  for  his  work.  He  is  also  a  skillful  bridge 
builder,  and  for  several  years  followed  this  pursuit  in  the 


152  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

West.  He  married  a  Miss  Bomar  in  1891,  and  in  her 
possesses  a  charming,  industrious  and  intelligent  help- 
meet. Mr.  Wilson  is  a  man  full  of  pluck  and  nerve;  he 
believes  that  the  way  to  success  is  through  perseverance,* 
and  says  that  he  alone  falls  who  gives  up  the  struggle 
and  holds  not  out  to  the  end.  He  was  born  March  31, 
1856,  at  — — 

He  owns  twenty-live  acres  of  fertile  land,  which  he 
has  purchased  and  paid  for  himself. 

In  1891  he  opened  up  a  butcher's  business  on  Tattnall 
street,  which  he  finds  to  be  very  lucrative.  This  busi- 
ness his  helping  wife  attends  during  the  day  while  he  is 
at  his  profession.  May  he  continue  in  the  road  to  suc- 
cess and  prosperity. 


MORGAN  McNAIR, 

KEPAIRER  OF  ALL  KINDS  OF  SEWING-MACHINES. 

The  subject  of  this  narrative  was  ushered  into  this  life 
in  DeKalb  county,  Ga.,  August  31,  1862.  When  only 
three  months  old  his  mother  died,  leaving  her  infant  son 
to  the  charity  of  the  world.  His  mother's  mistress,  be- 
ing interested  in  the  baby,  had  him  reared  in  her  own 
family,  and  cared  for  him  till  he  became  of  a  sufficient 
age  to  "paddle  his  own  canoe."  His  first  real  work  was 
that  of  farming,  which  he  followed  for  some  years,  when 
he  left  and  went  to  a  place  called  "Snap  Finger"  to  seek 
work.  Here  there  were  a  saw  and  a  gin  mill  owned  by 
a  Mr.  Van  Winkle  (the  same  now  does  business  in  this 
city),  who  employed  him,  and  with  whom  he  remained  a 
year,  working  around  the  house  of  Mr.  Van  Winkle 
and  assisting  at  the  milh. 


P.   F.   HOGANS. 


JOHN  W.   COX. 


JOHN  TREMBLE. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  153 

At  this  time,  young  Morgan's  brother,  who  was  older 
than  he,  began  farming,  the  farm  being  near  Atlanta, 
and  desired  the  services  of  his  brother;  so  Morgan  left 
Mr.  Van  Winkle  and  went  to  live  and  work  with  his 
brother.  They  worked-  together  two  years,  when,  hav- 
ing saved  some  money,  they  turned  their  faces  Atlanta- 
ward,  thinking  that  they  could  save  and  make  more 
money.  That  they  might  not  be  out  of  employment  while 
seeking  work,  they  bought  each  an  axe  and  went  from 
house  to  house  chopping  wood.  While  thus  engaged 
Morgan  one  day  met  Judge  A.  Speer,  who  then  lived  on 
the  corner  of  Rawson  and  Cooper  streets.  The  Judge 
employed  Morgan  to  cut  wood,  and  told  him  to  come 
over  the  next  morning  and  clean  his  yard  and  wash  and 
curry  his  horse.  Morgan  did  his  work  so  well  that  both 
the  Judge  and  wife  were  pleased,  and  being  without 
a  coachman  the  Judge  hired  Morgan  in  that  capacity, 
giving  him  a  salary  of  six  dollars  per  month.  Morgan 
remained  with  Judge  Speer  till  his  (the  Judge's)  death. 
Judge  Speer  and  wife  were  exceedingly  kind  to  Morgan, 
sending  him  to  school,  two  terms,  after  which  they  gave 
him  lessons  themselves  every  night.  The  result  was  that 
he  learned  to  read  and  write  very  rapidly.  Judge  Speer 
was  of  no  little  prominence,  and  being  with  him  Morgan 
came  in  contact  with  the  better  class  of  whites  and  blacks. 

After  the  death  of  the  Judge,  Morgan  apprenticed 
himself  to  the  brickmason's  trade,  at  which  he  worked 
for  a  considerable  time;  then  he  obtained  a  situation  with 
the  Singer  Se wing-Machine  Company  of  this  city  and 
worked  with  this  house  seven '  years.  While  with  it  he 
learned  all  about  the  work  and  became  machine  adjuster. 
He  served  as  foreman  until  July  6,  1891,  when  he  opened 
the  same  kind  of  business  for  himself. 

In  1887  he  married  Miss  Jennie  V.  Payne,  with  whom 
he  has  from  that  year  to  this  spent  a  happy  life.  Mr.  Me- 


154  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Nair  is  well  versed  in  the  sewing-machine  manufacturing- 
business;  is  fully  able  to  renovate  all  machines  out  of  re- 
pair. He  also  sells  and  buys  machines,  and  will  give  as 
good  satisfaction  as  any  white  machine  dealer.  Let  all  of 
us  who  have  work  in  his  line  to  be  done  give  our  patron- 
age and  thus  help  him  instead  of  our  white  brother,  who 
needs  our  help  less.  His  place  of  business  is  No.  43. 
West  Mitchell  street.  He  has  a  neat,  comfortable  home 
which  he  has  purchased  and  paid  for  since  his  coming  to 
Atlanta. 

Besides  being  industrious,  Mr.  McNair  is  courteous  in 
manner  and  a  pleasant  conversationalist. 


MR.  JOHN  A.  TREMBLE, 

CARPENTER. 

This  Christian  young  man  was  born  at  Covington,  New- 
ton county,  Ga.,  A.  D.  1864.  ^n  Christian  character,  ster- 
ling worth,  he  cannot  be  surpassed  by  any  young  man 
who  was  reared  without  the  tender,  watchful  care  of  pa- 
rents. 

The  mother  of  this  young  man  died  when  he  was  an 
infant.  When  he  was  but  ten  months  of  age  his  father 
went  to  the  war,  never  returning,  and  he  was  never  heard 
of  by  the  son.  Young  Tremble  was  then  left  to  the  care 
of  his  grandmother,  who  also  died  when  he  was  only  nine 
years  old,  leaving  him  to  be  cared  for  by  her  daughter. 
After  living  with  this  relative  for  two  years,  she  also  died, 
and  he  was  again  left  alone  in  the  world. 

Being  now  eleven  years  old,  he  resolved  to  find  employ- 
ment whereby  he  might  support  himself.  After  many 
days  of  careful  search  he  succeeded  in  obtaining  work  at 
a  very  small  salary.  In  1881  he  secured  employment 
with  the  drug  firm  of  Sharp  &  Brother,  for  which  he 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  155 

received  better  wages  than  he  previously  had.  With 
these  men  he  worked  till  1884,  wnen  ne  was  employed 
by  the  C.  R.  R.  of  Ga.,  where  he  remained  several 
years. 

Mr.  Tremble  is  a  model  young  man,  sober,  industrious, 
energetic  and  persevering.  He  was  converted  in  1886, 
and  united  with  the  Friendship  Baptist  Church  of  this 
city. 

In  1890  he  became  apprenticed  to  the  carpenter's  trade, 
and  after  completing  his  apprenticeship,  went  to  work 
with  contractor  Geo.  Thomas. 

By  good,  careful  management  he  is  able,  to  surround 
himself  with  the  comforts  and  necessities  of  life.  His 
education  is  limited,  but  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  be 
classed  with  the  leaders  of  the  race. 

A  bright  and  prosperous  future  lies  before  him,  which, 
if  he  continues  in  the  path  in  which  he  now  treads,  he 
will  doubtless  realize. 


JOHN  OLIVER  ROSS. 

MEKCHANT. 

John  Oliver  Ross  is  a  native  of  Austin,  Texas,  born 
A.  D.  1863. 

Soon  after  his  birth  his  mother  moved  to  North  Caro- 
lina, where  his  early  life  was  passed. 

When  he  was  but  thirteen  years  old  his  mother  died, 
after  which  he  went  to  Raleigh  and  engaged  in  farming. 
This  was  the  beginning  of  his  career.  He  first  attended 
night-school  till  he  realized  enough  cash  to  enable  him 
to  attend  daily.  His  first  (day)  instructor  was  a  Miss 
Hayes,  who,  becoming  interested  in  him  and  wishing  to 
aid  him,  made  him  janitor  of  the  school  building. 

By  this  means  he  was  able  to  pay  his  board  and  tui- 
tion .  While  studying  here  he  became  equipped  for  a 


156  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

teacher.  He  taught  for  one  year  and  earned  enough  to 
enable  him  to  become  a  student  of  Shaw  University. 

After  a  time  he  had  to  return  to  work,  and  was  em- 
ployed in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  of  North 
Carolina.  He  stayed  there  till  he  earned  enough  to  come 
to  Atlanta,  Ga. 

In  1882  he  became  a  member  of  the  Atlanta  Univer- 
sity, where  he  acquired  a  pretty  good  education  and  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  shoe-making.  Following  this 
line  of  work  he  made  enough  cash  to  keep  himself  in 
school,  paying  his  board  and  tuition. 

In  1885  he  went  to  Valdosta,  Ga.,  to  engage  in  the 
mercantile  business,  which  he  carried  on  for  two  years, 
when  he  was  made  principal  of  the  Academy  of  that 
town. 

Returning  to  Atlanta  in  1889  he  engaged  in  the  gro- 
cery business,  which  he  now  follows.  He  married  the  re- 
fined, highly  cultured  and  intelligent  Miss  Mahoda  Hill,  a 
graduate  of  the  A.  U.  and  a  former  teacher  in  the  At- 
lanta public  schools. 

Mr.  Ross  has  traveled  extensively  through  most  of  the 
States  of  the  Union. 

His  business  is  in  a  flourishing  condition. 

He  is  a  young  man  of  good  repute,  highly  respected  by 
all  good  people  \vho  know  him. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  some  readers  to  know  that  this 
young  man,  coming  to  Atlanta  with  only  forty  dollars, 
and  depending  upon  the  money  earned  by  his  trade 
for  his  support,  by  industry  and  attention  to  business,  has 
been  able  to  purchase  the  beautiful  home  residence  of 
the  late  beloved  president  of  the  A.  U.,  for  which  he  paid 
three  thousand  dollars.  In  this  home,  where  are  cher- 
ished memories  so  dear  to  all  A.  U.  students,  reside 
this  happy  pair,  to  whose  keeping  God  has  given  two 
lovely  little  children. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  157 

CORNELIUS  KING, 

INDIAN  AGENT. 

Cornelius  King,  the  eldest  son  of  George  and  Phyllis 
King,  was  born  March  17,  1861,  in  Mississippi.  His 
mother  was  a  Cherokee  Indian,  and  was  stolen  from  her 
parents  at  the  age  of  six  or  seven  and  sold  a  slave  in 
Mississippi.  Here  she  grew  to  womanhood,  met  and 
married  George  King,  who,  being  a  carpenter  and  mill- 
wright, saved  money  and  bought  his  wife  and  two  chil- 
dren, Cornelius  and  Alice,  and  sent  them  to  Jackson, 
Tenn.,  in  1863.  Here  the  children  attended  school,  and 
1870  Cornelius  was  put  to  work  at  a  machine  shop,  and 
developed  a  great  talent  for  the  use  of  tools.  Captain 
Jacobs,  the  head  master  mechanic,  noticed  this  and  found 
that  he  had  learned  the  use  as  well  as  the  names  ,of  many 
of  the  tools.  He  at  once  offered  to  teach  him  the  trade 
if  Mr.  King  would  agree  that  the  boy  could  stay  with 
him  long  enough.  The  offer  was  accepted  and  Corne- 
lius was  given  the  trade.  He  worked  here  until  the  • 
death  of  his  mother  in  1876.  This  was  a  terrible  blow 
to  him,  the  effect  of  which  still  remains  fresh  in  his  mem- 
ory. He  always  refers  to  his  mother  in  the  most  endear- 
ing manner,  and  hopes  to  see  her  a'gain  in  the  beautiful 
home,  where  parting  is  no  more. 

His  father  now  prepared  to  move  to  Ft.  Smith,  Ark., 
and  sent  Cornelius  on  ahead.  A  young  white  boy  ac- 
companied him.  They  traveled  in  a  wagon.  At  this 
time  the  Mississippi  and  Arkansas  bottoms  were  alive 
with  wild  animals.  This  was  very  dangerous,  and  he  and 
his  companion  often  despaired  of  ever  reaching  their  des- 
tination. Three  days  and  nights  they  traveled  through 
these  bottoms  without  seeing  a  living  soul.  The  waters 
had  subsided,  and  the  high  water  mark  was  twenty  feet 


158  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

above  their  heads.  Though  homesick  and  often  dis- 
couraged, they  traveled  on,  and  in  twenty  days  after 
they  started  they  reached  Arbuckle  Island,  where  the 
white  boy,  fohn  P.  Perkins,  now  a  leading  young  lawyer 
in  Ft.  Smith,  found  work.  King,  however,  finding  none 
there,  went  on  to  Ft.  Smith.  The  only  machine  shop 
there  was  owned  by  Philip  Millberger.  He  applied  to 
this  man  for  work,  and  obtained  a  situation  which  he  held 
until  1880,  when  a  company,  known  as  the  Arkansas 
Oil  Mill  Company,  built  one  of  the  largest  mills  and 
cotton  compresses  combined  in  the  South.  This  com- 
pany employed  Captain  Jacobs  (who  had  taught  King 
the  trade)  to  put  in  all  the  machinery  and  boilers  and 
put  the  mill  to  running.  He  employed  Cornelius  and  Jim 
Childs  to  help  him.  They  made  all  the  water  and  steam 
connections,  and  when  these  were  tested  not  a  defect  was 
found.  This  gave  Cornelius  great  prominence,  and  he 
was  sent  from  mill  to  mill  to  do  general  repairing  until 
1887.  This  year  he  married,  and  as  Arkansas  City  was 
a  very  unhealthy  place,  and  fearing  his  wife's  health,  as 
well  as  his  own,  would  be  endangered,  he  resigned  and 
took  work  with  the  Iron  Mountain  Railroad  Company, 
with  headquarters  in  Little  Rock.  Here  he  remained 
until  the  death  of  his  mother-in-law,  Mrs.  Bishop  Turner, 
in  1889.  The  bishop  being  thus  left  alone,  requested 
him  and  his  daughter  to  move  to  Atlanta  and  keep  house 
for  him.  This  they  did.  He  hoped  to  secure  work  in 
some  of  the  machine  shops  here.  Having  excellent  letters 
of  recommendation  from  the  best  business  men  and  com- 
panies in  the  State  of  Arkansas,  he  presented  them  to 
several  different  shops,  and,  to  his  great  surprise  and  dis- 
appointment, was  told  that  Negroes  were  not  allowed  to 
work  at  a  bench,  as  the  white  workmen  would  all  quit. 
He  was  compelled  to  accept  a  position  from  the  Western 
and  Atlantic  Railroad  Company.  Here  he  stayed  until 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  159 

he  was  injured  in  a  wreck  at  Dalton,  Ga.  He  brought  suit 
against  the  road  and  the  jury  gave  him  five  hundred 
($500)  dollars,  though  many  thought  him  entitled  to  as 
many  thousand.  He  has  recently  been  employed  as  pri- 
vate detective  in  the  law  office  of  Messrs.  Hoke  and  Burton 
Smith.  The  former,  now  Secretary  of  the  Interior  and 
thus  a  member  of  the  President's  cabinet,  moved  to 
Washington  and  still  kept  King  in  his  employ  in  that 
city  in  the  pension  office. 

He  has  deeds  to  some  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of 
fine  farming  lands  in  Arkansas  and  some  to  his  wife's 
property  in  Georgia.  His  father  holds  his  claim  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  the  Indian  Territory,  which 
comes  through  his  mother.  Each  of  the  other  children 
has  the  same  share.  His  father,  stepmother,  his  only 
brother  and  youngest  sister  now  live  in  a  beautiful  home 
on  the  edge  of  a  large  prairie  thirty-two  miles  from  Ft. 
Smith  in  the  Indian  Territory.  Victoria  Turner  King,  to 
whom  he  was  married  in  1887?  visited  the  home  of  Mr. 
King,  in  company  with  her  father,  then  Bishop  of  Indian 
Territory,  in  1882.  Here  they  were  betrothed,  and. 
were  ever,  before  and  after  marriage,  devoted  and  happy 
in  their  choice. 

Three  bright  boys  blessed  their  union,  Henry  McNeal, 
George  Turner  and  Cornelius  Victor.  The  two  oldest 
died  before  their  mother,  the  youngest  one  month  after. 
Her  death  was  a  shock  to  the  entire  community.  She  was 
well  known  throughout  Georgia  and  in  many  of  the  other 
States.  She  attended  school  at  Wilberforce,  O.,  and 
Berea  College,  Ky.  She  spent  much  time  in  Washing- 
ton City  and  traveling  with  her  father.  She  had  the 
happy  faculty  of  making  friends  wherever  she  went  and 
was  very  popular.  Many  hearts  were  saddened  as  the 
news  of  her  death  was  read  in  the  papers.  They  were 
married  December  14,  1887.  She  died  May  28,  1892, 


160  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

and  is  buried  in  West  View  Cemetery,  Atlanta,  near  her 
mother  and  beside  her  three  children. 

The  following  is  clipped  from  the  Atlanta  Journal  of 
May  30,  1892: 


"Lincolnia  V.  King,  the  wife  of  Cornelius  King  and 
daughter  of  Bishop  H.  M.  Turner,  will  be  buried  this 
afternoon  froirijBethel  African  M.  E.  Church,  on  Wheat 
street.  She  was  born  August  25,  1864,  and  died  a^ 
2  o'clock  P.  M.,  Saturday^-  the  28th  inst. 

"Her  father  said  to-day  that  she  was  bright  and  poQ- 
sessed  an  unusual  tendency  to  politeness  from  childhood. 
She  was  educated  at  Wilberforce  University,  in  Ohio, 
and  Berea  College,  Kentucky.  She  was  happily  con- 
verted about  seven  years  ago  during  a  revival  conducted 
in  Bethel  Church  by  Rev.  Richard  Graham,  now  presid- 
ing elder  of  the  Milledgeville  district.  She  married  some 
five  years  ago  Cornelius  King,  of  the  Indian  Territory, 
and  for  a  time  lived  at  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  but  after  the 
death  of  her  mother,  Bishop  Turner's  wife,  she  and  her 
husband  came  to  Atlanta  to  keep  house  for  her  father. 
She  lived  a  consistent  Christian  and  died  most  happily. 

"A  short  time  before  she  expired,  she  called  for  her 
infant  baby  and  kissed  it  good-bye,  commending  it  to  the 
keeping  of  the  Christ  in  whom  she  put  her  trust,  and 
then  in  turn  kissed  her  father,  husband,  sister  and  niecer 
and  requested  them  to  meet  her  in  heaven,  being  con- 
scious of  all  she  was  doing  and  saying  until  the  breath 
left  her  body.  She  was  generous  to  the  poor,  sympa- 
thized with  the  suffering  and  a  worker  for  her  church. 
•A  stream  of  persons  were  coming  and  going  all  day  yes- 
terday, many  of  whom  wept  profusely  as  they  looked 
upon  her  remains.  Bishop  Gaines  and  other  ministers  of 
prominence  will  conduct  the  funeral  services  at  Bethel 


JOHN  ROSS. 


C.    KING. 


MRS.    VICTORIA    KING. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  161 

church.     She  leaves   an  infant  only  two  months  old  and 
a  devoted  husband  to  lament  his  loss." 

After  holding  an  important  position  in  the  Pension 
Office  for  more  than  a  year  and  a  half,  Mr.  King  was 
appointed  a  Special  Indian  Agent,  with  headquarters  at 
Muscogee.  This  is  an  important  and  honorable  place, 
only  to  be  held  by  men  of  undoubted  ability  and  well- 
tried  fidelity.  This  appointment  was  extensively  noted 
and  commented  upon  by  the  press  throughout  the  coun- 
try, and  many  letters  and  telegrams  of  congratulation 
were  received  from  distinguished  colored  men  all  over 
the  country. 

Before  going  to  his  new  field  of  activity  Mr.  King  was 
united  in  matrimony  with  Miss  Tina  Culver,  one  of  the 
most  cultured  and  affable  leaders  of  the  best  society  of 
Washington,  who  accompanied  him  to  his  home  at  Mus- 
cogee, I.  T.,  after  visiting  through  the  East  and  South, 
stopping  at  most  points  of  interest. 

The  elements  which  show  themselves  in  Cornelius 
King  are  patience,  industry,  sterling  honesty,  acute  ana- 
.lytical  powers,  powerful  memory,  large  generosity  and 
kindness  of  heart,  invincible  courage  and  indomitable 
will  power.  These  qualities  of  head  and  heart,  coupled 
with  a  strong  body  and  economical  habits  in  his  business 
and  personal  life,  will  in  time  carry  him  to  the  top  whence 
he  can  look  back  from  his  already  exalted  post  with  a  con- 
sciousness of  duty  well  discharged  and  that  success 
is  the  price  of  worth  and  activity.  His  life  is  an  incen- 
tive to  younger  men  to  educate  and  apply  themselves> 
thereby  to  rise,  as  King  has  risen. 


11 


162  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

MR.  WILLIAM  M.   ALLEN, 

SHOEMAKER,   MUSICIAN. 

He  was  born  at  Athens,  Clarke  county,  Ga.,  in  the 
month  of  December,  Christmas  day,  1860.  At  the 
emancipation  he  was  sent  to  live  with  his  grandmother, 
and  while  with  her  he  went  to  school  and  learned  the 
alphabet.  His  next  school  days  were  spent  in  the  city  of 
his  birth,  and  these  schools  were  taught  by  the  first  mis- 
sionaries. At  the  early  age  of  eleven  years  he  was  ap- 
prenticed to  the  shoemaker's  trade  under  a  Mr.  Adam 
Malone.  He  was  so  apt  and  swift  in  this  that  by  the 
time  he  reached  his  fourteenth  year  he  had  served  his 
apprenticeship.  Then  he  went  back  to  school,  and  later, 
took  the  examination  for  county  schools,  received  license, 
and  taught  in  different  counties.  He  did  not  fancy 
school-teaching,  but  had  a  desire  to  be  a  business  man  ; 
so  in  1880  he  entered  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary  to 
better  prepare  himself  for  a  business  life.  Subsequently 
he  received  an  appointment  as  mailing  clerk  in  the  post- 
office  of  Athens  under  Postmaster  Madison  Davis.  This 
position  he  filled  with  credit  and  honor  to  himself.  In 
the  spring  of  1884  he  resigned  his  position  as  clerk,  re- 
turned to  Atlanta  and  resumed  his  trade,  which  he  fol- 
lowed till  1891,  when,  having  taken  the  Civil  Service 
examination,  June  6  of  same  year,  was  appointed  U.  S. 
letter  carrier  by  General  J.  R.  Lewis,  postmaster.  His 
other  duties  were  so  urgent  upon  him  that  he  found  it 
very  necessary  to  return  to  them.  .  Accordingly,  he,  on 
the  twenty-second  of  same  month,  tendered  his  resigna- 
tion. He  received  a  very  flattering  letter  from  the  post- 
master, who  regretted  his  (Allen's)  hasty  action.  Mr. 
Allen  is  full  of.  enterprise,  being  a  member  of  all  the 
leading  organizations  of  the  city.  For  two  years  he  was 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  163 

the  honored  Secretary  of  the  South  View  Cemetery 
Company,  which  position  he  filled  with  credit  to  himself 
and  benefit  to  the  Association.  He  is  also  a  member  of 
the  Georgia  Real  Estate  Loan  and  Trust  Company, 
which  is  one  of  the  strongest  organizations  in  the  South, 
having  a  capital  of  §50,000. 

Mr.  Allen  is  a  lover  of  music,  and  performs  with  great 
skill  on  the  violin,  zither,  mandolin,  cornet  and  other  in- 
struments of  music.  He  is  the  organizer  of  the  first 
orchestra  of  this  city,  and  on  the  whole  is  what  might 
be  called  a  talented  young  man.  He  has,  by  his  habits 
of  industry  and  sobriety,  accumulated  considerable  prop- 
erty. Being  a  first-class  shoemaker,  he  is  in  the  employ 
of  the  premium  boot  and  shoemaker  of  the  State,  viz., 
A.  J.  Delbridge,  and  is  the  leading  workman  in  the  shop. 
Mr.  Allen  is  a  great  advocate  of  all  young  men  learning 
trades  of  some  kind,  and,  having  learned  them,  to  stick 
to  them.  Too  much  cannot  be  said  in  reference  to  his 
spirit  of  energy  and  daring,  for  few  possess  these  in  a 
greater  degree  than  he  does.  It  is  hoped  that  he  may 
•ever  be  useful  in  life  and  achieve  greatness  in  the  end. 


G.  H.  FARMER, 

A  PROGRESSIVE  BUSINESS  MAN. 

G.  H.  Farmer,  the  subject  of  this  biographical  sketch, 
was  born  in  Madison,  Morgan  county,  Ga.,  December 
25,  1859,  and  is  thirty-four  years  of  age.  At  an  early 
age  he  attended  a  high  school  taught  by  Bost  Howell, 
but  his  circumstances  rendered  it  necessary  for  this 
bright  genius  to  forsake  the  school  of  learning  before  his 
collegiate  course  was  completed.  He  took  favor  to  the 
music  of  the  anvil  and  delighted  in  the  wheelwright's 
trade,  and  by  assiduous  work  he  became  master  of  both 


164  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

trades.  Under  H.  R.  Goldwire,  of  Madison,  he  started 
his  trades  in  their  different  branches,  and  proved  a  com- 
petent and  accurate  workman.  In  1888  the  firm  of  Geo. 
D.  Harris  &  Co.,  of  Augusta,  gave  him  work,  at  which 
place  he  stayed  until  1891,  when  the  fame  his  business 
characterized  by  remarkable  success,  went  widespread, 
and  Atlantians,  who  are  ever  on  the  alert  to  secure  that 
which  is  best,  did  not  miss  the  opportunity  of  having  him 
join  their  number.  Here  he  opened  with  a  business  of  his 
own,  and  is  very  extensively  patronized  by  all  who  need 
work  in  his  line.  Success  has  attended  his  every  effort  ? 
and  both  Morgan  and  Fulton  counties  receive  a  consider- 
able amount  of  taxes  on  real  estate.  He  is  generous  to 
a  fault,  the  friend  of  all  workmen,  the  enemy  of  none, 
lending  help  when  and  wherever  he  can.  Such  is  the 
character  of  this  business  man  of  whom  we  write.  In 
1885  he  married  a  Miss  Janie  Jones,  a  woman  faithful 
and  true.  God  bless  all  such  good  men,  for  they  in  their 
turn  are  a  blessing  to  any  community.  Young  men, 
follow  in  his  footsteps. 


MR.  JULIUS  ALEXANDER, 

NEGKO  ARTISAN. 

He  was  born  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  in  the  year 
1843,  of  slave  parents.  At  the  tender  age  of  five  years 
he  was  sold  from  his  parents,  and  thus  grew  up  without 
their  tender  care  and  protection. 

Julius  passed  through  ail  the  trying  scenes  of  Southern 
slave  life.  It  was  his  lot  to  be  the  property  of  both  kind 
and  cruel  masters.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  emi- 
grated to  Georgia,  and  locating  at  Griffin  employed  him- 
self to  a  man  under  whom  he  learned  blacksmithing. 
After  leaving  Griffin  he  came  to  Atlanta  and  secured 
employment  from  the  G.  R.  R.  Company,  for  which  he 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  165 

worked  three  years.  He  next  obtained  work  at  the 
Winship  Brothers'  Foundry,  in  whose  employ  he  stayed 
several  years,  a.fter  which  he  opened  a  business  of  his 
own.  He  now  has  an  establishment,  where  he  runs  two 
forges,  on  corner  of  Ivy  and  Lyon  streets. 

In  1871  Mr.  Alexander  united  with  the  First  Congre- 
gational Church,  in  which  church  he  was  treasurer  for 
both  church  and  Sunday-school.  At  this  time  Rev. 
Cyrus  W.  Francis  was  pastor. 

His  first  wife  was  a  Miss  Lula  Nunnally,  to  whom  was 
born  eight  children,  two  of  whom  he  educated  in  the 
Atlanta  University,  these  being  Stephen  and  Annie.  In 
the  year  1881  Stephen  died.  His  daughter  Annie,  ;i 
graduate  of  the  A.  U.,  is  now  a  successful  and  accom- 
plished teacher  in  Florida.  His  first  wife  dying,  he  was 
married  in  1889  to  a  Miss  Edwards,  who  bv  habits  of 
economy  and  industry  renders  him  great  service. 

At  the  surrender  Mr.  Alexander  was  entirely  illiterate, 
but  by  diligent  and  hard  study,  chiefly  at  night,  he  has 
acquired  a  good  business  education. 

His  mother  was  a  devout  Christian  woman,  a  member  • 
of  the  Methodist  church,  and  though  Mr.  Alexander  was 
deprived  of  her  gentle  training,  he  seemed  to  have  par- 
taken of  her  Christian  nature. 

He  is  a  good  man,  a  useful,  law-abiding  citizen,  and  is 
esteemed  and  respected  by  all  who  know  him.  When 
freedom  was  declared  he  would  not  take  his  former 
master's  name,  and  instead  of  using  his  full  name,  Julius 
Alexander  Pledger,  he  cut  off  the  surname,  which  was 
his  master's,  and  used  his  first  and  middle  names.  Thus 
we  know  him  as  Julius  Alexander. 

He  has  some  real  estate  ;  pays  taxes  on  one  thousand 
four  hundred  dollars'  worth.  Mr.  Alexander  is  still  a 
useful  factor  in  the  church,  law-abiding,  and  respected 
by  all  who  know  him. 


166  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

MR.  THOMAS  GOOSBY, 

AETISAN  AND  MEKCHANT. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Thomas  Goosby,  was  bom 
November  10,  1840,  in  Oglethorpe  county,  Ga.  He  was 
born  of  slave  parents,  and  lived  during  the  "dark  days' T 
of  slavery,  but  as  it  was  his  lot  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  a 
good,  Christian  owner,  a  man  who  possessed  a  heart  and 
realized  that  all  other  human  beings  possessed  the  same 
organ,  he  fared  well,  and  did  not  experience  the  cruel 
treatment  or  feel  the  lash  of  the  Negro  driver's  whip  as 
so  many  of  his  slave  brothers  did. 

In  his  early  life  he  worked  on  the  farm  and  at  the  car- 
penter's trade.  During  the  war  he  worked  at  shoe- 
making. 

December  i,  1865,  Mr.  Goosby  received  his  first  wages,, 
which  consisted  of  one  pound  of  meat  and  twenty-five 
cents  per  day.  He  was  married  in  the  year  1863  to  a  Miss 
Martha  Eberhart,  who  has  been  a  constant  helper,  ad- 
viser and  sharer  of  joys  and  sorrows  to  him.  This  union 
was  prolific  of  five  children,  two  of  whom  are  graduates 
of  the  Atlanta  University,  Miss  Mary,  who  is  now  em- 
ployed as  public  school  teacher  at  Athens,  Ga.,  and  Mr- 
Wm.  H.,  who  is  now  in  the  government  service,  being 
U.  S.  letter-carrier.  Mr.  Goosby  moved  to  Atlanta  in 
1866,  and  at  once  obtained  work  at  his  trade  (carpentry), 
receiving  one  dollar  and  twenty-five  cents  per  day.  He 
was,  as  is  now,  a  master  workman,  and  during  the  re- 
building of  the  city  had  as  much  as  he  could  do.  He 
assisted  in  erecting  many  of  the  first  structures  in  the 
city.  Was  employed  in  the  erection  of  the  present  Kim- 
ball  house  for  two  years,  also  on  the  State  capitol,  and 
aided  in  the  erection  of  the  steeple  on  the  Trinity  M.  E. 
Church  (white). 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  167 

In  1876,  having  professed  a  hope  in  Christ,  he  united 
with  Wheat  Street  Baptist  church,  and  was  baptized  by 
Rev.  W.  H.  Tilman.  Mr.  Goosby  is  an  important  factor 
in  this  church,  serving  as  trustee,  treasurer,  finance  col- 
lector and  deacon.  He  is  a  man  of  sober  habits,  integ- 
rity and  industry,  and  numbers  his  friends  by  the  scores. 

In  1889,  with  his  son  as  partner,  Mr.  Goosby  com- 
menced grocery  keeping,  in  which,  for  so  short  a  time, 
he  has  built  upon  an  excellent  trade,  carrying  on  an  ex- 
tensive business  in  this  line. 

He  owns  a  most  cozy  cottage  home  on  the  principal 
thoroughfare,  Wheat  street,  near  which  is  his  place  of 
business.  Mr.  Goosby  pays  taxes  on  more  than  $6,000 
worth  of  real  estate.  He  is  a  man  of  fine  parts,  gentle, 
faithful  in  duty,  earnest  in  business,  respected  by  all 
who  know  him. 


MR.  FLOYD  GRANT  SNELSON, 

PRINCIPAL  OF  THE  MITCHELL  STREET  GRAMMAR 
SCHOOL. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Floyd  Grant  Snelson,  was 
born  at  Ellaville,  Schley  county,  Ga.,  December  19, 
1865.  His  father  is  Rev.  Floyd  Snelson;  his  mother  is 
Mrs.  Nancy  Snelson.  Grant  is  the  eldest  of  three  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  are  living.  He  is  brother  to  the  thriv- 
ing, successful  practitioner,  S.  C.  Snelson,  of  Savannah, 
Ga.,  who  graduated  from  Howard  Medical  College  at 
Washington,  D.  C. ;  £lso  brother  to  Mrs.  Mary  Snelson 
Cooper,  a  graduate  of  the  Atlanta  University. 

Grant  first  entered  the  A.  M.  A.  school  at  famous  An- 
dersonville.  He  next  attended  the  Beach  Institute  at 
Savannah,  while  his  father  was  pastor  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Church  in  that  city  in  1874.  During  the  winter  of 


168  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

1874  ™'s  ^ther  moved  to  Mclntosh,  Liberty  county, 
where  he  constituted  the  Dorchester  Congregational 
Church  and  established  the  Dorchester  Academy.  Grant 
then  entered  this  school,  where  he  remained  a  student 
till  the  fall  of  '83,  when  he  entered  the  Atlanta  Univer- 
sity. While  at  his  home  he  was  secretary  of  his  church 
for  four  years,  an  assistant  deacon  and  a  religious  worker, 
frequently  aiding  his  father  as  exhorter.  He  was  organ- 
ist for  five  years,  and  the  leader  of  the  boys  and  girls  in 
assisting  to  raise  funds  for  the  erection  of  the  large  Con- 
gregational Church  which  his  father  afterwards  erected 
at  Snelsonville,  a  village  of  two  hundred  inhabitants, 
named  for  the  family  of  Snelson. 

Grant  began  his  career  as  teacher  at  the  age  of  twelve 
years  by  assisting  in  the  academy  he  attended,  hearing 
three  classes  regularly  each  day  under  the  supervision  of 
Miss  R.  M.  Kinney,  who  was  then  in  charge  of  the  Dor- 
chester school.  The  principal  frequently  commended  be- 
fore the  entire  school  the  excellency  of  Grant's  work, 
and  he  was  considered  the  "boy  royal"  of  the  times. 

After  two  years'  experience  in  his  own  schoolroom  as 
a  tutor,  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  in  company  with  others, 
including  'his  brother,  Grant  went  before  the  County 
School  Commissioner  to  take  the  examination,  which 
was  both  oral  and  written.  Hon.  S.  D.  Bradwell,  the 
present  S.  S.  C.,  who  was  at  that  time  President  of  the 
Institutes  for  whites,  was  called  upon  to  assist  in  examin- 
ing the  applicants.  In  the  presence  of  a  large  audience 
he  gave  Grant  a  rigid  problem  in  taxes  to  solve  upon  the 
blackboard.  This  Grant  did  so  quickly  and  accurately 
that  the  C.  S.  C.,  Hon.  Benj.  Dorsey,  observed:  "This 
boy  is  an  exceptional  Negro,  for  he  has  the  brain  of  a 
white  man."  Grant  answered  readily  all  questions  put 
to  him  by  the  white  students  of  the  institute,  and  it  is 
needless  to  say  received  first  grade  license.  This  was 


WM.    ALLEN. 


tf'^p 


O.    H.    FARMER. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  169 

remarkable  for  a  boy  of  fourteen.  He  was  so  small  in 
stature  that  his  mother  prepared  for  him  two  home-made 
dusters  in  which  to  teach,  that  his  small  figure  might  not 
be  so  noticeable  to  his  pupils.  Signal  success  has  followed 
and  attended  him  ever  after  in  the  schoolroom.  In  the 
summer  of  1888  he  was  compelled  to  leave  his  school 
after  teaching  three  weeks,  on  account  of  the  "crackers," 
who  had  most  of  his  patrons  employed,  and  who  told 
them  that  if  they  sent  their  children  to  school  to  Snelson 
they  would  not  hire  them  (the  patrons)  to  work  for  them* 
It  was  election  year,  and  the  "crackers"  claimed  that 
Grant  would  teach  the  children  Republican  doctrine.  So 
he  was  persecuted  in  this  way,  an  account  of  which  ap- 
peared in  the  State  papers  of  color. 

In  1877  the  father  of  Grant  was  called  to  the  mission- 
ary work  in  West  Africa  under  the  auspices  of  the  A. 
M.  A.  Grant  accompanied  the  family  in  visiting  Africa, 
the  fatherland.  He  remained  there  fourteen  months,  at- 
tended school  with  the  natives,  one  of  whom,  Mr.  A.  B. 
Jarrett,  has  since  graduated  from  Fisk  University. 

Grant  in  Africa,  as  in  America,  was  first  in  his  class, 
and  was  well  spoken  of  by  the  principal,  Rev.  A.  P. 
Miller,  now  pastor  of  Congregational  Church  at  New 
Haven,  Conn. 

He  frequently  accompanied  his  father  about  among  the 
African  villages,  talked  with  the  natives,  gave  Bible 
lessons,  and  was  generally  found  doing  good. 

In  rhetoricals  he  was  pointed  out  as  "the  model"  for 
all  the  boys,  and  was  fondly  considered  by  the  notables 
in  Sierra  Leone,  among  whom  was  the  royal  governor 
who  predicted  that  Grant  would  some  day  be  a  "good 
and  grand  man."  The  English  commandant  called  him 
his  "little  American  beloved,"  and  when  Grant  was  pre- 
paring to  return  to  America  he  presented  him  with  a  fine 
jack  monkey  and  a  copy  of  Robinson  Crusoe.  On  their 


170  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

return  homeward,  while  in  New  York  City,  Grant's- 
father  took  him  to  Henry  Ward  Beecher's  church. 

This  eloquent  divine  placed  his  hands  upon  Grant's 
head,  blessed  him,  and  prayed  that  God  would  give  him 
a  life  of  usefulness,  long  and  full  of  good  deeds. 

Entering  the  Atlanta  University  in  1883  he  spent  seven 
years  in  this  institution,  graduating  in  1890,  just  nineteen 
years  after  his  father's  graduation  at  the  same  university. 
While  an  inmate  of  this  institution  he  led  an  exemplary 
Jjfe,  always  stood  well  in  his  classes,  was  religious  and  had 
the  respect  and  confidence  of  the  entire  faculty. 

In  the  college  literary  societies  he  was  always  ready r 
with  his  wit  and  genius,  to  contribute  to  the 'occasion,  and 
whenever  his  name  appeared  on  the  program  for  eman- 
cipation or  other  public  exercises,  there  was  sure  to  be 
assembled  a  large  audience  to  greet  his  appearance  on  the 
rostrum . 

His  ability  as  an  author  is  wothy  of  mention :  his  pro- 
ductions being  "Starlights  of  the  Ages" — a  historical 
essay  on  slavery;  "Universal  Conflict" — a  philosophic 
oration  touching  upon  the  great  movements  of  mankind; 
"Eulogy  on  General  U.  S.  Grant,"  his  distinguished  name- 
sake, and  the  "Development  of  Modern  Liberty,"  which 
was  his  graduation  oration  in  which  he  surpassed  himself,, 
and  which  was  pronounced  to  be  the  treat  of  the  occa- 
sion. 

Immediately  after  his  graduation  he  was  called  to  the 
principalship  of  the  Columbus  High  School,  at  Colum- 
bus, Ga. 

Very  untoward  circumstances  greeted  him  at  the 
opening  of  this  work.  They  were  subjective  as  well  as 
objective.  Subjectively  he  was  discouraged,  because  his 
plans  for  entering  a  Northern  seminary  had  collapsed. 

He  left  home  with  only  means  to  secure  a  week's  lodg- 
ing ;  without  money  and  with  little  to  cheer,  he  took  upon 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  171 

himself  the  labor  of  building  an  institution  of  learning. 
Objectively  the  work  there  was  in  a  shattered  condi- 
tion. The  fears  within  this  educational  enterprise  were 
greater,  than  the  foes  without;  but  notwithstanding  this 
he  labored  to  unite  all  elements  in  the  city,  visited  all 
churches,  preached  and  lectured  to  all  congregations  and 
Sunday-schools,  and  in  ten  months  had  increased  the 
school  from  a  membership  of  nineteen  pupils  to  one  hun- 
dred and  fiftv. 

«/ 

His  addresses  and  lectures  were  inspiring  and  elevating 
in  no  little  degree,  and  were  always  largely  attended.  On 
one  occasion  he  received  an  invitation  from  the  white  peo- 
ple of  an  adjoining  town  to  lecture  to  them,  which  invita- 
tion he  accepted.  He  .held  an  immense  crowd  spell- 
bound, and  received  unlimited  applause,  his  address  being 
encouraging  to  both  races,  practical,  eloquent, and  serving 
to  teach  the  colored  heroism  in  all  that  develops  the  race, 
and  to  teach  the  whites  generosity,  fair  play  and  equity, 
to  an  aspiring  people. 

January,  1891,  Mr.  Snelson  delivered  the  Emancipa- 
tion Oration  at  Columbus.  The  occasion  was  a  brilliant 
one.  The  address  was  published  abroad  and  was  favor- 
ably commented  upon  by  the  public  press. 

At  the  dedication  of  the  high  school  building  at  Way- 
cross,  Ga.,  in  1889,  he  delivered  the  dedicatory  address, 
which  was  complimented  most  freely  by  the  town  paper, 
as  well  as  all  who  heard  him. 

Limited  space  will  not  allow  us  to  recount  every 
achievement  in  his  public  career;  let  it  suffice  to  know 
that^  he  figures  conspicuously  in  all  public  gatherings 
which  have  for  their  object  the  elevation,  morally  and 
mentally,  of  the  Negro  race. 

His  address  delivered  before  the  State  Teachers'  As- 
sociation, held  at  Macon  last  June,  was  considered  one  of 
the  best  of  the  session. 


172  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

He  is  now  the  successful  principal  of  the  West  Mitch- 
ell Street  Grammar  School,  of  this  city,  and  is  identified 
with  all  that  tends  to  better  the  race. 

Mr.  Snelson  is  connected  with  the  A.  M.  E.  Church  as 
a  member  of  Class  1894  of  Gammon  School  of  Theology. 
He  is  blessed  with  the  companionship  of  an  educated, 
refined  and  faithful  wife;  ambitious  like  himself,  she  en- 
courages and  lends  inspiration  to  him  in  all  his  efforts,  and 
is  building  for  him  a  house  of  true  love  which  shall  bless 
his  coming  years  with  progress  and  peace;  a  fine  baby- 
boy  has  sealed  their  union  and  united  their  spirits  for  life. 


MR.   JAMES  LEE  HONEYWELL, 

CIGAR   MANUFACTURER— U.  S.  LETTER  CARRIER. 

The  amount  of  enterprise  shown  in  the  life  of  this 
young  man  of  whom  I  now  write  is  worthy  of  commen- 
dation. It  is  not  an  every-day  occurence  to  find  one  of 
so  few  years  as  he  who  has  passed  through  the  many  va- 
rying scenes  of  this  complicated  life  of  ours.  He  was 
the  only  child  of  Mrs.  Mariah  Gay,  and  first  opened  his 
infant  eyes  to  the  light  of  day  at  Quincy,  Fla.,  Jan- 
uary 28,  A.  D.  i86«. 

His  mother  was  not  strong  physically,  and  young 
Honeywell  had  to  be  put  in  service  at  an  early  age  to  aid 
in  her  support.  Thus,  when  he  was  eight  years  old,  he 
was  employed  as  errand-boy  and  clerk  in  a  grocery  store. 
His  next  work  was  that  of  stationary  engineer,  and  from 
this  he  went  to  the  hotel  work.  Possessing  a  spirit  of 
enterprise  and  daring,  this  life  soon  grew  monotonous, 
and  he  began  to  look  about  for  other  employment. 

Accordingly  he  met  Mr.  A.,  of  Maine,  a  retired  mil- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  173 

lionaire,  who  engaged  Honeywell  as  companion  for  him- 
self. Honeywell  was  eager  for  the  hour  to  arrive  when 
his  employer  and  himself  would  begin  what  was  to  be  to 
Honeywell  a  round  of  sight-seeing. 

With  the  millionaire  he  traveled  for  more  than  a  year, 
visiting  every  State  in  the  Union,  Canada  and  Mexico. 

After  leaving  Mr.  A.'s  service  he  did  not  care  to  locate 
at  any  particular  point;  so  he  secured  work  over  a  prom- 
inent railroad  as  sleeping-car  porter. 

One  day  while  in  New  York  City  a  stranger  ap- 
proached Honeywell,  and  in  language  which  was  not  all 
English  told  him  that  he  was  in  distress  and  wanted  to 
go  home,  and  asked  assistance  of  him.  This  stranger 
was  a  native  of  Cuba.  Mr.  Honeywell  complied  with 
the  stranger's  request;  and,  while  conversing  with  him 
concerning  his  home,  expressed  a  desire  to  go  to  Cuba 
himself;  but  added  that  he  had  no  friends  or  relatives 
there,  and  did  not  know  how  he  would  fare  among  the 
natives.  Whereupon  the  Cuban  persuaded  him  to  go, 
telling  him  he  would  see  that  he  (Honeywell)  was  cared 
for.  Accepting  the  invitation,  Mr.  Honeywell,  in  due  • 
time,  with  his  friend,  reached  the  Isle  of  Cuba. 

All  was  strange  and  new  to  him,  but  he  trusted  his 
Cuban  friend.  True  to  his  promise  the  Cuban  secured 
Mr.  Honeywell  employment  in  a  cigar  manufacturing 
establishment,  in  which  were  employed  one  thousand  per- 
sons, whose  language  he  could  not  comprehend  or  speak 
a  word. 

Among  these  strangely  speaking  people  he  had  pecu- 
liar experiences.  When  he  desired  anything  he  either 
had  to  go  out  and  search  for  his  Cuban  friend,  or  pay  an 
interpreter  to  make  known  his  wishes.  This,  however, 
did  not  last  a  great  while,  for  soon  Mr.  Honeywell  mas- 
tered the  Spanish  language,  which  he  now  speaks  most 
fluently. 


174  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

After  spending  two  years  in  Cuba,  working  in  the  cigar 
business,  he  returned  to  Atlanta,  Ga.,  where  his  mother 
was  then  living.  Soon  after  his  return  to  this  city,  she 
became  ill,  and  lingered  for  a  year.  During  her  illness 
he  proved  to  be  the  most  devoted  son.  Indeed  he  per- 
formed the  parts  of  husband  and  son.  No  wish  of  hers 
was  denied.  The  best  medical  attention  was  furnished 
her;  and  finally,  when  death  claimed  her,  the  devoted 
son's  grief  was  most  poignant. 

During  the  latter  part  of  1892  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Mattie  Duke,  a  very  amiable  young  lady,  who,  during  his 
hours  of  sadness,  shared  equally  his  sorrow. 

He  is  a  son  of  whom  the  fondest  mother  might  be 
proud;  a  husband  to  whom  the  loving  wife  can  look  with 
reverence. 

He  has  established  a  cigar  business  here,  which  is  car- 
ried on  with  great  profit  to  himself.  He  also  occupies  a 
government  position,  being  a  United  States  letter-carrier. 

My  personal  opinion  of  Mr.  Honeywell  is  that  he  is  a 
model  young  man.  He  has  a  pretty  fair  education,  and 
his  experiences  gained  through  traveling  are  interesting 
and  various. 

His  only  teacher  was  the  Rev.  E.  K.  Love,  now  of 
Savannah,  to  whom  he  went  seven  months. 

The  remainder  of  his  education  he  acquired  himself, 
with  sometimes  the  aid  of  perhaps  his  different  employ- 
ers. He  is  what  might  truly  be  called  a  self-made  young 
man.  During  his  young  life,  so  far,  he  has  performed 
many  noble  acts,  which  if  he  continues  to  do  until  he  shall 
have  reached  a  ripe  age,  when  he  is  summoned  to  join 
his  mother,  there  will  be  written  opposite  his  name  many 
noble  deeds. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  175 

MR.  ELIJAH  RICHARD  GRAVES, 

THE  CANDY  MANUFACTURER 

To  many,  perhaps,  the  biography  of  this  man  will  be 
particularly  interesting,  as  he  is  the  only  one  of  the  race 
with  which  he  associates  in  this  city  who  is  engaged  in,  and 
owner  of  the  above  business.  His  father  was  a  Jew  who 
bore  the  cognomen  of  Allison  Deikle.  His  mother,  in 
whose  veins  flowed  Anglo-Saxon  and  Indian  and  a  few 
drops  of  African  blood,  married  a  man  by  the  name  of 
Belvin  Graves,  and  it  is  from  him  that  our  subject  takes 
his  surname. 

Early  in  life  he  was  bereft  of  his  mother  and  left  to  the 
care  of  his  step-father.  At  the  time  of  Hood  s  raid 
through  Georgia,  young  Graves  refugeed  from  Atlanta 
to  Macon,  Ga.,  and  then  joined  the  United  States  hospit- 
al train,  which  was  then  going  through  the  country  tak- 
ing up  the  dead  and  wounded  soldiers.  It  was  then  that 
he  lost  sight  of  his  step-father.  Leaving  the  hospital 
train  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  he  returned  to  Atlanta  and 
soon  after  became  quite  ill.  He  was  then  adopted 
into  the  family  of  Festus  Flipper,  where  he  was  nursed 
back  to  health.  By  his  many  good  traits  young  Graves 
soon  won  the  hearts  of  the  entire  family,  and  was  liber- 
ally provided  for  by  Mr.  Flipper,  who  sent  him  to  the 
Storr's  School,  where  he  received  instruction  from  the 
best  teachers.  In  his  early  life  he  worked  at  photogra- 
phy under  one  Mr.  R.  N.  Lane.  Mr.  Graves  has  had  a 
checkered  career,  in  which  has  been  mixed  both  sorrow 
and  joy.  He  at  one  time  joined  a  minstrel  troup  at 
Athens,  Ga.,  which  soon  dissolved,  and  not  having  the 
necessary  means,  he  had  to  walk  the  entire  distance  from 
that  city  to  Atlanta.  On  another  occasion  he  was  com- 
pelled to  walk  ninety-three  miles.  He  was  employed  as 
butler  in  the  National  Hotel,  at  Atlanta,  but  desiring  to 


176  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

acquire  a  knowledge  of  some  occupation  or  profession, 
he  began  to  work  at  the  baker's  trade;  but  his  lungs  be- 
ing weak,  he  feared  the  constant  dealing  in  flour  might 
more  seriously  affect  them .  So  he  gave  up  this  vocation, 
and  took  up  that  of  candy-making. 

He  found  employment  with  the  F.  E.  Block  &  Com- 
pany manufacturing  establishment,  where  he  worked 
quite  a  number  of  years,  mastering  entirely  the  candy- 
making  art. 

So  proficient  in  this  art  is  he  that  he  has  established  a 
business  of  his  own,  which  he  conducts  and  carries  on 
most  successfully  and  with  profit  to  himself. 

In  1876  he  led  to  the  hymeneal  altar  a  Miss  Georgia 
Anne  Sims,  whose  father  was  Dr.  Thos.  Sims,  of  Clay- 
ton county,  Ga.  The  marriage  vows  were  solemnized  by 
the  eminent  Rev.  Wm.  Finch,  ex-councilman  of  Atlanta. 
The  morning  succeeding  their  marriage  Mr.  Graves  gave 
his  wife  fifteen  cents,  which  was  half  of  his  entire  pos- 
sessions, and  said  to  her,  "As  I  give  you  this  I  will  give 
you  more."  With  the  aid  of  his  brave,  industrious  wife, 
who  has  proven  a  constant  source  of  comfort  and  joy  to 
him,  he  has  accumulated  a  bountiful  supply  of  this  world's 
goods. 

His  neat  little  cottage  home  on  Magnolia  street,  near 
which  is  located  his  place  of  business,  is  attractive  and 
inviting. 

Space  need  not  be  taken  to  comment  further  upon  this 
man's  life.  The  facts  here  given  show  the  amount  of 
industry,  enterprise  and  grit  in  his  make-up;  and  if  his 
future  be  as  progressive  as  has  been  his  past,  he  will  have 
ascended  to  the  topmost  rung  of  the  ladder  of  finance. 
He  has  some  valuable  real  estate,  and  also  some  cash. 

He  is  a  native  of  Richmond,  Va.,  where  he  was  born 
A.  D  1855.  Mr-  Graves  pays  taxes  on  three  thousand 
dollars'  worth  of  property. 


F.   O.   SNELSON. 


JACKSON   M' HENRY. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  177 

MR.  DANIEL  L.  ANDERSON, 

A  EISING  MERCHANT. 

Mr.  D.  L.  Anderson  was  born  in  the  year  1865  in 
DeKalb  county,  Ga.  His  parents  were  industrious, 
thrifty  and  religious  people,  who,  though  they  were,  or 
had  been,  debarred  of  educational  advantages,  resolved 
to  do  their  duty  by  their  children  in  this  line.  By  their 
industry  and  economy,  they  had  accumulated  something 
of  this  world's  possessions,  thereby  enabling  them  to  edu- 
cate their  children. 

Accordingly  Daniel  was  sent  to  the  village  school  till 
it  was  found  to  be  necessary  to  send  him  elsewhere  to 
one  of  higher  studies. 

Finally  it  was  decided  to  send  "Dan"  (as  he  was 
called  at  home)  to  Atlanta,  and  after  doing  so  he  entered 
the  Atlanta  University,  where  he  spent  five  years,  dur- 
ing which  time  he  made  rapid  progress,  so  that  when  he 
left  this  grand  institution  of  learning  he  was  equipped  to 
fight  life's  battles. 

While  a  student  of  the  Atlanta  University  he  would 
spend  his  vacations  in  teaching  that  he  might  help  him- 
self in  school  and  not  depend  entirely  upon  his  parents, 
who  had  several  other  children  to  educate. 

From  both  parents  "  Dan "  inherited  that  spirit  of 
thriftiness  which  so  plainly  characterizes  him.  Since 
living  in  Atlanta,  he  has  borne  an  untarnished  name,  and 
is  ever  found  on  the  side  of  right. 

He  was  converted  and  joined  the  A.  M.  E.  Church  in 
1875.  Faithfulness  in  the  discharge  of  his  religious 
duties  brought  him  to  the  office  of  steward  and  then  sec- 
retary in  his  church.  These  positions  he  held  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  with  credit  to  himself  and  satisfaction  to  all. 


178  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

In  1891  Mr.  Anderson  married  Miss  Macie  Gill,  a 
sweet-tempered  young  lady,  who  is  a  helpful  adviser  and 
counselor  to  him. 

In  1888  Mr.  Anderson  opened  a  grocery  business  with 
a  stock  of  thirty-six  dollars.  This  business  has  grown 
steadily  till  he  now  does  a  business  of  six  thousand  dol- 
lars per  annum. 

For  one  so  young,  he  is  fast  coming  to  the  front  ranks 
of  the  race.  It  furnishes  me  no  little  pleasure  to  be  able 
to  record  the  good  deeds  of  our  coming  young  men, 
those  who  will  take  their  places  beside  the  worthies  of 
our  race,  as  the  subject  of  this  paper  will  no  doubt  do. 


JACKSON   McHENRY, 

ENTERPRISING  AND  PROGRESSIVE  CITIZEN. 

There  is  no  man  in  the  city  of  Atlanta  who  bears  a 
greater  flame  of  anxiety  in  his  bosom  for  the  progress  of 
his  people  than  does  the  subject  of  this  paper,  Jackson 
Me  Henry. 

His  very  existence  goes  rushing  out,  as  an  uncontroll- 
able flood,  for  the  elevation  and  welfare  of  the  young  of 
his  race.  He  is  not  a  man  of  letters.  The  "King's 
English"  is  not  at  all  safe  when  it  falls  into  his  mouth; 
but  in  common  sense,  wit  and  humor  there  is  not  a  man 
born  who  can  surpass  "Jack." 

He  is  a  born  orator.  When  he  is  speaking,  words  of 
wisdom  fall  from  his  lips  like  an  April  shower.  It  is 
almost  marvelous  to  see  a  man  with  no  more  education 
than  he  .has  with  such  power  of  speech.  He  can  electrify 
and  entertain  any  assembly  of  people,  political  or  relig- 
ious, ignorant  or  educated,  as  well  as  any  man  of  superior 
attainments. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  179 

His  business  career  in  the  city  of  Atlanta  has  not  been 
in  any  certain  line.  He,  like  his  fellow  brethren,  is 
hedged  in  by  race  prejudice.  The  assistance  which  Ne- 
gro men  of  the  South  need  is  shut  out  from  them  wholly 
because  of  color.  A  great  number  of  colored  men  in 
this  city,  of  unflagging  industry  and  energy,  would  soon 
be  lifted  to  wealth  and  distinction,  were  it  not  for  South- 
ern sentiment.  On  account  of  this  state  of  affairs,  he  has 
had  to  keep  feeling  until  he  found  it  safe  to  hold  on  to 
one  certain  line  of  business. 

He  came  to  Atlanta  in  '1868  with  seventy-five  cents  in 
his  pocket,  and  feeling  himself  rich  in  the  possession  of 
that  amount*.  Possessing  an  indomitable  will,  and  being 
of  a  high  spirit,  no  class  or  kind  of  work  "downed"  him. 
He  soon  began  blacksmithing  with  his  brothers,  serving 
the  trade  till  he  became  an  acceptable  workman;  but  de- 
siring to  do  better,  he  took  his  earnings  and  purchased 
an  ox  and  cart  and  began  hauling  and  selling  wood. 
After  a  time  he  was  able  to  dispose  of  his  ox  and  secured 
a  mule;  finally  he  sold  the  mule  and  obtained  a  horse. 
Then  accepting  a  position  as  office  porter  under  H.  Ir 
Kimball  at  §40  per  month,  he  gave  up  the  team  to  his 
two  brothers. 

This  he  held  till  he  was  engaged  as  janitor  for  the 
financial  committee  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of 
Georgia  at  a  salary  of  $30.  He  pursued  this  till  the 
Democratic  administration,  after  which  he  obtained  the 
agency  for  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Sewing  Machine  Co., 
receiving  $75  per  month  and  10  per  cent,  on  every  ma- 
chine he  sold.  He  was  thus  engaged  ten  years,  and  was 
able  to  repair  machines  and  do  work  connected  there- 
with. 

In  1891  he  was  made  head  janitor  at  the  custom  house 
of  this  city,  for  which  his  salary  is  $800  per  year.  He  is 
a  military  man,  being  Captain  of  the  Governor's  Volun- 


180  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

teers.  Under  him  this  company  has  progressed,  winning 
the  first  and  second  prizes.  Mr.  McHenry  is  the  oldest 
captain  (in  position)  in  the  State.  He  was  married  at 
the  early  age  of  seventeen  to  a  Miss  Louisa  Moore,  who 
died  in  1871,  after  which  he  married  in  1873  Miss  Ellen 
Brown.  In  1872  he  united  with  the  A.  M.  E.  Church, 
of  which  he  has  ever  since  been  an  active  member.  He 
pays  taxes  on  between  two  and  three  thousand  dollars' 
worth  of  property.  Mr.  McHenry  was  at  one  time  an 
owner  of  several  hacks  and  cabs.  This  pursuit  proved 
very  lucrative.  Was  also  at  one  time  engaged  in  the 
express  business. 

In  1870  he  was  nominated  for  councilman,"  but  was  de- 
feated by  sixty  votes.  Eighteen  hundred  and  seventy- 
six  found  him  a  nominee  for  the  Legislature,  and  received 
the  largest  number  of  votes  ever  given  a  colored  man. 
He  has  filled  the  position  of  bailiff,  and  has  been  a  dele- 
gate to  every  District  Convention ;  also  a  member  of 
the  State  Central  Committee.  In  1888  he  was  elected 
as  delegate  from  the  Fifth  Congressional  District.  It  is 
seen  by  this  that  he  has  occupied  many  positions  of 
honor,  which  he  filled  honorably. 


REV.  FREDERICK    LAWRENCE   CARLETON, 

A  GEEAT  EVANGELIST. 

One  of  the  bright  stars  that  beamed  forth  with  bright- 
ness and  shed  its  rays  in  a  portion  of  Clarke  county 
known  as  Bashire,  in  Alabama,  is^Rev.  Frederick  Law- 
rence Carleton. 

He  was  ushered  into  this  life  December  n,  A.  D.  1837. 
At  the  age  of  six  weeks  he  was  sold  for  the  sum  of  $100. 
He  became  religiously  impressed  when  he  was  just  three 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  181 

years  old,  by  one  night  hearing  his  mother  shouting 
and  praying.  This  impression  was  so  deep  that  from 
that  time  he  became  a  Joseph  boy.  He  talked  constantly 
of  things  pertaining  to  the  other  life,  but  was  not  then 
conscious  of  the  extent  of  his  knowledge  concerning  that 
life. 

His  mother  was  permitted  to  stay  with  him  until  he 
reached  the  age  of  seven  years,  after  which  time  she 
was  sold  from  him,  and  he  was  left  to  the  care  of  a 
drunkard.  He  remained  with  this  drunken  master  one 
year  longer,  when  he  was  again  sold,  this  time  bringing 
the  amount  of  $850,*  and  with  this  owner  remained  until 
he  was  emancipated  through  Lincoln.  Being  a  bright, 
active  lad  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  he  was  placed  in  a 
blacksmith  shop  to  learn  the  trade,  which  he  accom- 
plished by  the  time  he  was  sixteen  years  old.  He  was 
then  taken  from  blacksmithing  and  put  to  engineering, 
at  which  he  worked  till  his  stoppage  was  necessitated  by 
his  having  lost  his.  sight.  For  a  number  of  years  he 
could  not  see  at  all,  then  a  period  of  partial  blindness  set 
in,  during  which  time  he  worked  at  the  mill. 

In  1862  he  became  converted  and  was  immediately 
called  to  the  ministry,  while  between  the  plow  handles  in 
the  field.  He  began  preaching  then  and  there;  threw 
aside  his  plow,  went  to  the  house  and  told  his  master  of 
his  call;  whereupon  his  master  got  upon  his  horse  and 
rode  all  around  to  the  different  plantations,  telling  the 
people  not  to  molest  Frederick,  but  to  allow  him  to 
preach  wherever  he  went.  There  were  many  souls  con- 
verted under  him  even  before  he  was  baptized.  He  was 
afterward  baptized  by  the  Rev.  Cerrine,  at  Elam  Baptist 
church,  remaining  a  member  of  that  church  till  freedom 
was  proclaimed.  During  this  time  he  went  about  from 
plantation  to  plantation,  preaching  the  word  of  God,  and 
causing  many  to  turn  from  the  paths  of  sin. 


182  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

At  this  period  it  was  discovered  that  he  was  endowed 
with  the  evangelistic  gift.  In  1856  he  was  married  to 
Patsey  King,  and  with  her  lived  till  '59,  when  they  be- 
came separated  by  her  having  been  sold  to  a  different 
plantation  and  another  put  in  the  house  with  her.  He 
next  married  in  1870,  Miss  Elizabeth  Griffin,  his  present 
wife,  after  which  he  moved  to  Mobile,  Ala.,  where  he 
received  license  to  preach  from  the  Central  Baptist 
church,  After  receiving  license,  in  six  months  he  raised 
a  church,  caused  the  conversion  of  many  souls,  who  were 
baptized  by  Rev.  C.  C.  Levi. 

A  council  was  called,  by  which  he  was  ordained  from 
the  Shiloh  Baptist  church.  He  served  as  pastor  there 
three  years,  then  going  to  Scranton,  Miss.,  organized  a 
large  church,  which  he  pastorated  till  the  yellow  fever 
epidemic.  He  then  returned  to  Alabama  and  established 
another  flourishing  church. 

Leaving  here  he  went  to  Chunchula,  Ala.,  and  there 
built  from  the  bush  arbor  a  large  church,  remaining  pas- 
tor two  years,  and  also  caring  for  the  Starlight  church, 
of  same  place,  for  twelve  years.  This  church  deciding 
that  he  had  the  evangelistic  call,  sent  him  out  as  an  evan- 
gelist. It  was  then  that  his  evangelistic  tour  com- 
menced, which  afterward  became  so  extensive.  He 
went  to  the  States  of  Florida,  Louisiana  and  Texas, 
where  he  organized  and  erected  churches  and  baptized 
many  souls.  He  met  many  Associations,  all  of  which 
co-operated  with  him  in  his  work.  He  did  and  said 
much  toward  preserving  the  purity  of  the  Sabbath,  and 
much  gospel  work  generally. 

The  education  of  this  godly  man  is  limited,  on  account 
of  his  partial  blindness  for  so  long  a  period.  He  attended 

college  at for  a  time,  when  his  sight  failed. 

He  next  pursued  a  course  of  Theology  under  Professor 
Warner,  when  his  sight  again  failed.  Applying  himself 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  183 

at  different  times  to  diligent  study,  and  information  gath- 
ered from  his  extensive  travels  in  nearly  every  State  in 
the  Union,  have  made  him  a  well  informed  man. 

Rev.  Carleton  came  to  Atlanta,  Ga.,  October  26,  1892, 
purchased  a  desirable  lot,  beautiful  for  situation,  erected 
thereon  and  occupied  a  neat  cottage,  in  less  time  than 
one  month.  He  owns  forty  acres  of  fertile  land  in  Mobile 
county,  Alabama.  He  has  been  solicited  by  the  Sunday- 
School  Convention  to  visit  the  entire  State  of  Georgia. 
The  blessing  of  God  ever  attend  his  work. 

Rev.  Carleton  ranks  with  the  world's  great  evangelists; 
is  a  most  profound  Biblicist  of  this  day,  knowing  it  from 
Genesis  to  Revelations,  and  is  prepared  at  any  time,  with- 
out any  previous  warning,  to  quote  exactly  any  passage 
required. 

Below  are  given  clippings  from  some  of  the  leading 
journals  of  the  day  concerning  him,  and  showing  forth 
his  vast  knowledge  and  good  works: 

"By  request  we  visited  and  listened  to  a  lecture  Mon- 
day evening,  on  the  Scriptural  Sabbath  and  its  Proper 
Observance,  by  Rev.  F.  L.  Carleton,  of  Chunchula,  Ala. 
To  say  that  we  were  surprised,  is  putting  it  mild .  His, 
familiarity  with  the  Bible  is  indeed  wonderful,  and  his 
lecture  would  do  credit  to  more  pretentious  divines,  and 
he  is  instructive  and  entertaining  to  any  audience.  We 
are  informed  that  he  has  appeared  before  white  congre- 
gations in  many  places  and  astonished  them  with  his  rea- 
soning and  ready  reference  to  scrip1. ural  passages  from 
Genesis  to  Revelations,  sustaining  his  arguments.  He 
requests  his  hearers  to  bring  their  Bibles  with  them, 
refers  them  to  different  chapters  and  verses  and  calls 
upon  them  to  read  aloud  during  the  progress  of  his  lec- 
ture. He  seems  to  know  the  whole  Bible  by  heart."- 
The  American,  Lake  Charles,  La. 


184  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

"On  Sunday  evening,  the  i8th  inst.,  the  Rev.  F.  L. 
Carleton  lectured  to  a  congregation  of  whites  and  blacks, 
at  the  Skating  Rink,  on  the  Observance  of  the  Holy  Sab- 
bath and  Training  of  Children.  This  lecture  was  indeed 
a  gem,  and  so  pronounced  by  all  present.  The  Rev. 
Joel  T.  Daves,  pastor  of  the  M.  E.  Church  (white),  com- 
mended it  in  the  highest  terms,  saying  in  the  course  of 
his  remarks  that  it  was  a  duty  for  the  colored  people  to 
send  this  colored  divine  forth  over  all  the  country,  and  if 
they  failed  to  do  so,  God  would  be  angry  with  them.  I  tes- 
tify to  these  things  for  the  simple  reason  that  I  know  they 
are  true,  and  that  I  believe  that  the  Rev.  F.  L.  Carleton 
should  receive  encouragement  and  support  wherever  he 
goes,  from  the  white  people  as  well  as  his  own  race, 
whom  he  is  so  capable  of  elevating  and  enlightening." — 
W.  C.  McClanahan,  Editor  American,  Lake  Charles,  La. 

"Rev.  F.  L.  Carleton,  the  Evangelist,  of  Chunchula, 
Ala.,  has  been  traveling  in  Alabama,  Florida,  Mississippi, 
Louisiana  and  Texas,  and  has  met  with  great  success." 


MR.  JOHN  W.  WILLIAMS, 

SUCCESSFUL  DYEK. 

Among  the  earliest  records  of  the  human  race  we  find 
that  there  was  a  great  appreciation  of  the  brilliant  hues 
displayed  by  natural  objects;  and  in  those  days  of  wis- 
dom, men  were  not  long  in  finding  out  ways  of  appro- 
priating these  hues  for  the  adornment  of  wearing  apparel. 
The  art  of  dyeing  extends  back  to  the  days  of  Jacob  and 
Joseph;  for  we  are  told  that  Joseph  had  a  coat  of  many 
colors.  Moses,  when  making  the  Tabernacle,  was  com- 
manded to  use  "blue  and  purple  and  scarlet  and  the 
ram's  skin  dyed  red." 


KEY.    F.    L.    CAELETON. 


JOHN   W.    WILLIAMS. 


B    *; 


J.   O.   CONNALLY. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  185 

When  Solomon's  Temple  was  being  built,  the  Tyrians 
sent  one  of  their  number  skilful  to  work  ain  purple  and 
blue  and  in  line  linen  and  in  crimson,"  to  assist  in  this 
line. 

During  the  time  of  the  Roman  emperors  a  kind  of 
coloring  was  so  highly  estimated,  that  cloth  whicji  had 
been  twice  dipped  in  it,  was  sold  for  a  sum  equal  to 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  pound  weight. 
We  are  told  that  in  the  fourteenth  century,  in  the  city  of 
Florence,  there  were  two  hundred  dyeing  establishments. 
These  facts  give  an  idea  of  the  importance  of  the  art  of 
dyeing  in  those  early  days.  The  man  who  dyes  will  live, 
because  he  is  indispensable.  Realizing  this  fact,  he 
whose  cognomen  appears  at  the  top  of  this  paper  chose, 
for  his  part  in  life,  this  art.  Of  course  he  did  not  accom- 
plish it  all  at  once  ;  he  did  not  step  from  the  lowest  to 
the  top  round  of  the  ladder;  he  ascended  it  step  by  step, 
and  this  too  through  many  disadvantages,  and  over 
many  obstacles.  In  making  the  ascent  to  this  accom- 
plishment, Mr.  Williams  first  employed  himself  to  the  re- 
nowned Mr.  James  Lockrey  (white),  with  whom  he 
staid  five  years.  He  next  worked  under  the  most  pro- 
fessional dyer  in  this  State — Mr.  James  Watson,  remain- 
ing with  him  a  considerable  time,  after  which,  feeling 
that  he  was  able  to  stand  alone,  he  began  a  business  for 
himself.  This  business  he  carries  on  with  the  greatest 
accuracy,  and  satisfaction  to  all  customers ;  his  patronage 
is  large. 

Mr.  Williams'  early'years  were  spent  as  house-boy  in 
his  master's  family.  In  1865  he  became  apprenticed  to 
the  hatters  business,  and  says  he  made  many  woolen  hats 
during  Federal  days.  His  first  wife  was  a  Miss  Mattie 
Hardie,  with  whom  he  passed  four  happy  years,  when 
death  claimed  her  as  his  victim.  His  present  wife  was  a 
Mrs.  Ophelia  Marsh,  in  whom  he  finds  one  well  able  to 


186  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

fill  her  station  in  life.  Being  a  man  of  sound  intellect 
and  good  judgment,  his  advice  is  often  sought.  He  is 
treasurer  of  one  of  the  largest  orders  in  the  city,  admin- 
istrator and  gifardian  of  the  estate  of  Mr.  Edmond 
Thomas,  and  an  esteemed  deacon  of  the  Zion  Hill  Bap- 
tist church.  He  was  born  at  Griffin,  Ga.,  A.  D.  1850. 
The  real  estate  of  Mr,  Williams  and  wife  amounts  to 
four  thousasd  dollars. 


DAVID  W.  RYAN, 

PICTUKE  FRAME  MAKER  AND  DEALER  IN  BRONZE,  OX- 
ODIZED  OAKS,  COMPOSITIONS  AND  MOULDINGS. 

David  is  the  first  child  of  John  and  Jane  Ryan,  and 
was  born  in  Edgefield  county,  S.  C.,  November  30, 
1861. 

Young  Ryan  was  placed  in  school  at  an  early  age,  and 
being  ready  in  his  studies  made  rapid  progress,  so  that 
when  but  eighteen  years  old,  he  was  employed  as  teacher 
in  one  of  the  public  schools  of  his  county.  He  taught 
three  years,  after  which  time  his  mind  thirsted  for  more 
extensive  knowledge;  so  he  left  his  nativity  and  came  to 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  entered  the  Atlanta  University.  Here 
he  pursued  his  studies  two  terms,  then  left  this  institu- 
tion and  became  a  member  of  the  Clarke  University. 
While  a  student  of  Clarke  he  began  the  business  of 
framing  pictures,  which  he  did  so  ^accurately,  that  it  in- 
sured for  him  immediate  success,  so  much  so  that  he 
had  to  leave  school  to  give  his  whole  time  to  his  work. 

Mr.  Ryan  deserves  commendation  for  the  manner  by 
which  he  learned  the  first  steps  in  his  now  lucrative  busi- 
ness. He  gained  his  knowledge  of  the  art  of  framing 
by  watching  a  man  do  the  same  work,  and  he  said  to 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.^  187 


himself  that  he  saw  no  reason  why  he  would  not  do  the 
same.  His  invincible  will  assisted  him.  He  applied 
himself  to  the  task,  and  the  result  is  that  he  now  carries 
on  the  business  with  great  profit  to  himself,  and  satisfac- 
tion to  the  patronizers.  Mr.  Ryan's  patronage  is  not 
confined  to  his  people  and  to  this  city.  He  does  work 
for  both  people,  and  for  different  cities.  When  David 
was  fifteen  years  old,  his  father  gave  him  one  hundred 
and  ten  acres  of  farming  land  and  three  horses.  He  un- 
dertook farm  work,  but  it  not  being  congenial  to  his  na- 
ture, he  sold  out  his  possessions  and  invested  the  proceeds 
in  the  above  mentioned  business,  which  he  now  follows. 

He  was  converted  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  and  has 
since  lived  a  Christian  life.  He  was  only  seventeen  when 
he  married  Miss  Amanda  Hardy.  He  met  her  when  she 
was  but  nine  years  and  he  only  twelve  years  old.  They 
loved  at  first  sight,  and  their  affection  for  each  other  in- 
creased until  they  were  wedded.  She  survived  only  one 
year  after  marriage. 

Mr.  Ryan  has  acted  as  secretary  for  the  Building  and 
Loan  Association  of  Syracuse,  New  York,  and  has  held 
other  positions  of  honor  and  trust. 

His  business  increases  rapidly  and  is  carried  on  quite 
extensively. 

Wishing  to  unite  with  some  order,  Mr.  Ryan  joined 
the  Free  Masons'  organization,  and  is  now  a  Master  Ma- 
son. Success  to  him  continually. 


ROBERT  STEELE, 

THE    PRINCE  OF    BARBERS. 

0 

One  who  has  made  success  in  the  tonsorial  line  in  this 
city  is  he  whose  name  heads  this  page.  He  is  one  of 
Atlanta's  most  enterprising  citizens,  and  justly  deserves 


188  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

• 

the  title  given  him  above,  for  the  manner  in  which  he 
governs  his  business.  Among  the  corps  of  workmen 
in  this  line  of  work  Mr.  Steele  is  surpassed  by  none. 
He  has  splendid  equipments  for  shampooing  and  baths, 
and  after  going  through  this  treatment  under  his  skil- 
ful hands,  one  feels  new  energy,  new  life  again. 

His  place  of  business,  located  on  the  thoroughfare, 
Marietta  street,  is  inviting  within,  and,  at  a  glance,  one 
sees  that  it  is  operated  by  master  hands  in  this  vocation. 

Mr.  Steele  is  a  man  who  exercises  great  common  sense 
in  all  things,  and  of  extreme  politeness.  Exercising 
these  traits,  he  has  been  able  to  draw  around  him  a  host 
of  the  best  citizens  of  both  races  of  the  city.  His  patron- 
age is  white,  and  consists  of  the  best  of  that  race  in  this 
city.  His  work  is  done  in  the  latest  and  most  modern 
style,  and  satisfaction  is  always  given. 

It  must  not  be  inferred  from  the  above  assertions  that 

, 

Mr.  Steele  is  not  a  race  man.  To  his  people  he  is  kind, 
benevolent  and  generous,  exercising  a  great  deal  of 
charity  towards  them. 

He  is  also  a  Christian  gentleman,  a  member  of  Bethel 
A.M.  E.  Church,  in  which  he  is  a  class-leader  and  use- 
ful worker. 

Mr.  Steele  is  a  trustee  of  the  Carrie  Steele  Logan  Or- 
phanage. Mrs.  (Steele)  Logan,  his  mother,  did  much 
to  help  him  along  in  life,  but  to  himself  was  left  the 
greater  part  of  the  struggle  to  fight. 

Being  of  a  good  disposition  when  a  lad,  he  met  with 
favorable  circumstances.  Was  apprenticed  to  the  bar- 
ber's trade,  and,  marked  for  his  wonderful  aptness,  he 
soon  rose  to  the  position  of  barber,  having  a  chair  of 
his  own.  , 

Laying  aside  his  blacking-box,  he  began  the  work  in 
earnest,  and  with  a  desire  to  better  his  condition  and 
accomplish  his  calling.  After  working  sometime  at  his 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  189 

trade  his  health  began  to  fail,  so  much  so  that  he  was 
obliged  to  leave  off  work  of  that  kind.  Accordingly  he 
accepted  a  position  as  porter  in  the  National  Hotel. 
This  work  he  followed  for  sometime.  When  his  health 
was  restored  he  went  back  to  his  trade,  which  he  has  suc- 
cessfully pursued  ever  since. 

In  1872  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emma  Brown,  in 
in  whom  he  finds  a  thorough-going,  economical  wife, 
and  to  her  noble  traits  and  characteristics  he  says  he 
owes  much  of  his  success. 

Mr.  Steele  is  an  honored  member  of  the  Masonic 
Lodge,  and  also  of  the  Afro- American  Historical  Society. 

He  was  born  December  4,  1846,  at  the  historic  little 
town  of  Milledgeville.  He  is  a  man  of  fine  and  com- 
manding appearance,  to  whom  Dame  Nature,  in  bestow- 
ing elegance  of  person  and  manner,  has  been  kind. 


JAMES  W.  PALMER, 

"A  STAUNCH  FRIEND  OF  HIS  PEOPLE. 

Mr.  James  W.  Palmer,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is 
one  of  the  staunchest  Republicans  belonging  to  the 
party.  Doubtless,  no  young  man  of  the  Republican  in- 
clination has  sustained  more  disadvantages  for  tire  sake 
of  the  party  than  he  has,  and  none  has  proved  more*  true 
to  the  cause.  He  was  born  in  Hancock  county,  A.  D. 
1854,  and  was  the  property  of  one  Henry  Farley.  His 
earliest  days  were  spent  in  the  capacity  of  errand  boy  for 
his  master's  family.  After  the  surrender  he  was  sub- 
jected to  many  and  various  changes,  going  from  one 
place  to  another,  till,  finally,  he  located  at  Milledgeville, 
where  he  was  employed  to  one  Dr.  White  as  porter  and 


190  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

messenger  boy.  He  remained  at  this  place  till  1866,  at 
which  time  he  went  to  Augusta,  Ga.,  and  found  a  posi- 
tion as  waiter  in  the  Planter's  Hotel.  Subsequently,  he 

was  employed  as  cabin-boy  on  the  steamer . 

In  1873,  Mr.  Palmer  came  to  Atlanta,  in  the  same 
predicament  in  which  so  many  before  him  had  come, 
viz.,  without  money,  and  with  only  one  suit  of  clothing. 
He  soon  found  work  under  Inman  &  Co.,  cotton  dealers, 
as  sampler  of  cotton.  For  this  firm  he  worked  success, 
ively  till  1890.  In  1892  he  was  employed  by  the  United 
States  government  as  an  assistant  engineer  at  the  Custom 
House.  Two  years  previous  to  this  he  served  on  a 
County  Executive  Republican  Committee,  also  as  assist- 
ant chairman  of  the  first  ward  of  this  city.  He  has  also 
been  in  the  race  for  councilman  of  Atlanta,  and  was 
among  the  first  to  apply  for  a  policeman's  position,  stood 
a  fine  examination,  but  only  on  account  of  the  color  of 
his  skin  was  not  appointed.  Mr.  Palmer  is  a  man  of  fine 
physique,  congenial,  pleasant  in  manner,  entertaining  in 
conversation.  If  allowed  the  chance  he  would  fill  high, 
honorable  positions  in  the  city  in  which  he  resides. 
Will  race  prejudice  never  cease  ? 


MR.  J.   O.   CONNALLY, 

SAUSAGE   GRINDER,  SUCCESSFUL  BUTCHER. 

In  days  of  bondage,  we  were  what  our  white  brothers 
made  of  us.  In  this  day  of  freedom  and  opportunities 
we  are  what  we  make  ourselves.  From  the  earliest  pe- 
riod it  has  happened  that  those  born  amid  hardships  and 
in  poverty  often  amass  the  most  in  this  world's  goods. 
So  it  is  with  the  man  who  bears  the  name  of  this  paper. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  191 

Near  where  the  famous  historic  battle  of  Chickamauga 
was  fought,  in  Walker  county,  was  born '  on  July  20, 
1855,  J.  O.  Connally.  At  the  early  age  of  ten  Connally 
was  left  an  orphan,  his  parents  having  died  of  that  devas- 
tating disease,  smallpox,  which  then  infected  the  city  of 
Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  to  which  place  they,  after  'leaving 
Walker  county,  had  gone.  With  no  kindred,  save  a 
cousin,  young  Connally  was  thrown  upon  his  own  re- 
sources. He  lived  with  bis  cousin,  assisting  him  in 
farm  work.  This  relative,  being  in  poor  circumstances^ 
had  not  the  necessary  farming  implements,  and  with  only 
the  hoe  did  not  make  this  vocation  a  success.  With  an 
intention  and  a  desire  to  make  something  of  and  for  him- 
self, young  Connally  left"  his  relative,  having  staid  with 
him  about  seven  years,  and  with  not  a  penny  in  his  pocket 
he  walked  to  Atlanta.  He  worked  at  whatever  he  could 
find  to  do,  receiving  little  remuneration.  Finally  he 
succeeded  in  obtaining  employment  under  a  white  butcher 
— a  Mr.  Shields,  On^account  of  his  small  stature,  Con- 
nally was  first  refused  by  Mr.  Shields,  but  afterward  was 
taken  on  trial.  The  work  proved  to  be  very  hard  for 
him.  Early  and  late  had  he  to  grind  away  at  the  sausage 
mill.  No  day  was  his,  not  even  Sunday,  as  that  day — as 
all  others — was  spent  at  the  slaughter-house  or  the 
market.  How  well  Connally  performed  his  tasks  is 
shown  by  the  fact  that  he  remained  with  Mr.  Shields  for 
ten  years.  On  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Shields's  refusing  to 
increase  Connally's  salary  he  left  Mr.  Shields,  and  having 
saved  his  earnings  he  was  able  to 'start  a  business  of  his 
own.  Knowing  more  about  it  than  any  other,  he  decided 
on  butchery.  He  has  made  it  a  success.  Thus,  while 
grinding  at  the  sausage  mill  from  early  morn  till  late  at 
night,  though  weary  and  faint  at  times,  this  man  was 
shaping  his  destiny,  and  grinding,  as  it  were,  dollars  and 
cents,  which  have  enabled  him  to  take  a  place  among  the 


192  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

property  holders  of  the  Gate  City  of  the  South.  His 
property  values  about  three  thousand  dollars.  His  busi- 
ness is  in  a  most  flourishing  condition. 


LANDY  EMBREE. 

FROM   A    CANAL   DIGGER  TO    A    TRUSTY,   WORTHY 
PORTER   IX  THE  SUPREME  CO'URT  ROOM. 


The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  at ; , 

May  1 5th,  A.  D.  1854. 

He  remembers  a  few  incidents  of  slavery-life.  On  one 
occasion  his  mistress,  having  become  angry  with  him, 
declared  that  she  would  sell  him  to  the  meanest  man  she 
could  find.  Accordingly  he  was  sold  to  a  Mr.  Horton. 
Landy  was  then  but  ten  years  old.  He  staid  with  this 
man  'till  freedom  was  declared.  .Contrary  to  his  mis- 
tress' expectat^  i,  Mr.Horton  treated  Landy  with  great 
kindness,  and  seemed  to  like  him  very  much. 

After  the  emancipation  he  went  to  live  with  his  uncle, 
with  whom  he  staid  two  years,  and  receiving  no  pay  for 
his  services,  his  mother  took  him  home.  He  lived  with 
her  five  years,  when  she  hired  him  for  fifty  dollars  per 
year.  This  employer  was  a  negro-hater,  and  one  day 
while  Landy  was  at  his  work,  his  employer  became  en- 
raged at  him  for  some  trivial  offense,  and  threatened  to 
flog  him.  Landy  resisted,  whereupon  his  employer  put 
a  pistol  to  Landy's  temples,  and  made  him  yield. 

He  felt  that  he  could  not  stay  with  this  man  and  take 
such  cruel  treatment,  so  he  decided  to  return  to  his 
mother. 

When  he  reached  home  and  told  his  mother  of  the 
mistreatment  he  had  just  received,  she  told  him  that  he 


J.   W.   PALMAR. 


LANDY   EMIiRY. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  193 

could  go  about  and  pick  cotton  for  a  livelihood.  This  he 
did,  and  during  the  year  made  twenty-five  dollars  by  it. 
He  had  to  divide  this  money  between  his  mother,  himself 
and  nine  brothers  and  sisters. 

He  kept  for  himself  five  dollars,  which  was  the  largest 
amount  of  money  he  had  ever  received  or  possessed. 
After  that  he  left  home  and  went  to  Augusta,  Ga.,  where 
he  was  employed  to  assist  in  digging  the  canal.  His 
next  employment  was  dish- washing  in  a  hotel;  then  a 
butler.  Up  to  the  time  he  was  twenty-three  years  old 
he  had  saved  nothing.  Leaving  Augusta  he  went  to 
Madison,  where  he  obtained  work  at  the  Female  College; 
his  wages  being  eight  dollars  per  month. 

In  1881  he  came  to  Atlanta  and  was  employed  in  Capt. 
Langston's  family  as  cook.  After  that  he  went  to  work 
for  the  E.  T.,  V.  and  Ga.  railroad. 

In  1882  he  returned  to  Madison  to  receive  his  bride, 
Miss  Maggie . 

Mr.  Embree  is  a  useful  member  of  the  Friendship 
Baptist  church,  a  Mason  and  an  Odd  Fellow;  and  in  each 
institution  gives  valuable  service.  Having  married  an  in- 
dustrious woman,  with  her  assistance  he  has  accumulated 
quite  a  snug  little  fortune.  When  he  first  came  to  At- 
lanta he  had  only  twelve  dollars  in  cash;  now  he  pays 
taxes  on  five  thousand  dollars  property.  By  these  few 
points  in  this  man's  life  one  can  easily  see  that  life  is  what 
we  make  it.  He  never  attended  school  but  five  weeks 
during  his  life.  Born  amid  the  disadvantages,  he  perse- 
vered; pressed  forward  to  make  himself  something  and  to 
make  something  for  himself.  He  waited  not  for  oppor- 
tunities, but  searched  for  them,  and  having  searched  he 
found  them  awaiting  him.  Go  ye,  do  likewise. 

He  also  has  six  shares  in  the  Mutual  Aid  Loan  and 
Investment  Company. 

13 


194  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

MR.  WILLIS  SMITH, 

PROGRESSIVE   MECHANIC. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Willis  Smith,  was  born  in 
Walton  county,  Ga.,  in  the  year  1835,  under  the  yoke  of 
slavery.  His  lot  was  the  same  as  that  of  his  fellow  bonds- 
men. Deprived  of  liberty,  he  had  not  the  opportunity  to 
gain  an  education.  When  a  mere  lad  he  was  anxious  to 
learn  something  in  books;  and  so  soon  as  he  found  op- 
portunity, he  by  some  means  obtained  a  Webster's  spell- 
ing book,  and  with  the  aid  of  an  old  man  whom  he 
called  "Uncle  George  Peters,"  Willis  was  soon  able  to 
spell  anywhere  in  the  book,  but  could  not  read  a  sentence. 
One  day,  uncle  George  asked  him  why  he  did  not  read. 
Willis  replied,  I  do  not  know  how;  whereupon  the  old 
man  took  the  book  and  began  reading  about  the  old  fat 
hen  feeding  her  chickens.  This  so  amused  Willis  that 
he  took  the  book  and  after  trying  for  a  while,  began  then 
and  there  to  read.  Ah!  it  was  no  easy  task  in  those  days 
of  darkness  to  learn  to  spell  or  read.  In  this  day  we  look 
with  amazement  upon  those  who  cannot  read;  in  those 
days  those  who  could  read  were  considered  as  being  won- 
derful (of  course  I  refer  to  slaves),  and  when  they,  with 
all  the  difficulties  and  threats  through  which  they  had  to 
pass,  were  so  persevering  as  to  accomplish  such,  me- 
thinks  that  if  we,  who  have  everything  prepared  for  us, 
neglect  such  chances,  shall  be  justly  punished  for  oppor- 
tunities wasted.  Willis  went  to  the  war  in  1860,  as  at- 
tendant for  Mr.  Calvin  Naul,  and  remained  .during  the 
years  '61,  '62,  '63  and  '64,  when  he  returned  to  the  place 
of  his  nativity  (for  the  slave  has  no  home).  In  1866  he 
came  to  Atlanta.  He  had  just  enough  money  to  pay  his 
railroad  fare,  so  when  he  arrived  here  he  was  penniless. 
He  borrowed  five  dollars  from  his  sister  and  with  it  set 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  195 

himself  up  in  the  business  of  selling  pies  and  cakes,  but 
this  proved  a  complete  failure,  leaving  him  as  bad  off 
financially  as  at  first.  Having  a  knowledge  of  carpentry 
he  resorted  to  the  use  of  tools,  and  was  successful  in 
realizing  ten  dollars .  This  stroke  of  good  luck  encour- 
aged him  greatly,  so  he  engaged  a  job  at  twenty-five 
dollars.  In  1869  he  began  bridge-building,  and  with  fol- 
lowing that  and  house-building  together  he  was  soon  able 
to  purchase  a  piece  of  land,  on  which  he  built  a  small 
house,  into  which  he  moved  his  mother  and  sister.  In 
1871  his  mother  died,  and  the  next  year  Mr.  Smith  was 
married  to  a  Miss  Adaline  Sims.  His  work  was  profitable 
and  thereby  he  was  able  to  buy  a  more  desirable  lot  than 
the  first.  Accordingly  his  present  lot  on  Tatnall  street 
was  bought,  and  the  house  on  the  former  lot  was  moved 
to  this  one. 

Soon  after  this  Mr.  Smith  became  ill,  but  Providence 
saw  fit  to  prolong  his  life,  and  soon  he  was  again  at  hard 
work.  In  1874  ne  began  car-building,  and  worked  at 
that  till  1 88 1,  when  he  became  the  junior  partner  of  Mr. 
Harrison  Coles  in  the  undertaker's  business.  In  this  was 
invested  twelve  hundred  dollars.  They  did  well  for  a. 
time;  finally  Mr.  Coles  died,  and  when  his  affairs  had 
been  settled,  Mr.  Smith  found  that  he  was  involved  about 
thirteen  hundred  dollars.  Of  course  this  was  enough  to 
deprive  him  of  courage,  but  possessing  that  quality  in  no 
little  degree,  he  struck  out  anew,  continued  the  same  busi- 
ness until  he  could  arrange  matters  satisfactorily.  Then 
he  resumed  the  work  of  carpentry,  in  which  he  engages 
now. 

Mr.  Smith  is  a  great  advocate  of  education.  He  has 
educated  his  wife,  who  took  a  thorough  course  in  the  Nor- 
mal department  at  the  Spelman  Seminary,  under  that 
matchless  woman,  the  late  Miss  Sophia  B.  Packard.  He 
and  wife  have  no  children,  but  aid  greatly  in  the  education 


196  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

of  others;  having  educated  his  sister's  children.  Mr. 
Smith  and  wife  united  with  the  Friendship  Baptist 
church  of  this  city,  having  been  baptized  by  the  Rev. 
F.  Quarles. 

He  claims  that  much  of  his  success  in  later  years  is  due 
to  the  help  of  his  industrious  wife.  He  has  renewed  and 
enlarged  his  home;  making  it  a  six-room  residence. 

In  the  family  of  Smiths  with  which  he  was  connected 
the  name  of  Willis  was  much  valued;  the  grandfather, 
the  father  and  the  present  Smith,  all  having  the  name 
Willis. 

Mr.  Smith  pays  taxes  on  two  thousand  dollars'  worth  of 
property. 


WALTER  A.  WRIGHT,  JR. 

Walter  A.  Wright  was  born  in  Athens,  Ga.,  October 
15,  1872.  His  father  is  Rev.  W.  A.  Wright  ;  his 
mother  was  Mrs.  Hattie  Wright.  His  father  being  a 
minister  of  the  A.  M.  E.  Church  and  a  member  of  the 
Conference,  young  Walter  had  the  advantage  of  travel. 
So  soon  as  he  was  old  enough  he  was  sent  to  school, 
where  he  spent  his  early  days. 

Conference  finally  gave  Rev.  Wright  a  charge  at  his 
•old  home,  Athens,  from  which  he  had  been  sent  for  a 
•number  of  years.  So  the  family  moved  back  to  Athens. 
At  this  time  the  religious  wave  was  sweeping  over 
Athens,  and  during  this  period  young  Wright  was  con- 
verted and  united  with  the  church  of  which  Rev.  D.  G. 
McGhee  was  pastor.  While  at  Athens  he  attended  the 
normal  school  under  the  regime  of  Rev.  C.  H.  Lyon. 
This  school  he  attended  two  terms,  during  which  time 
his  mother  died.  After  her  deav.h  he  became  dissatisfied 
at  Athens,  and  went  to  Albany,  Ga.,  to  live  with  his 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  197 

uncle.  While  with  his  uncle  he  learned  the  woodturner's 
trade.  He  begnn  by  earning  fifty  cents  per  day,  and  was 
soon  able  to  earn  two  dollars  per  day.  By  this  occupa- 
tion he  was  soon  able  to  purchase  a  lot  of  three  acres  in 
Watkinsville,  Ga.  At  the  time  of  the  purchase  the  prop- 
erty was  worth  only  three  hundred  aud  fifty  dollars. 
Now  it  is  valued  at  just  twice  that  amount. 

Leaving  Albany,  he  went  to  stay  with  his  father,  who 
was  then  at  Acworth,  Ga.  He  did  not  long  remain  here 
till  the  desire  to  return  to  Athens  seized  him,  and  gaining 
his  father's  consent  to  this,  he  went  to  that  city  to  live 
with  his  aunt.  Then  it  was  that  he  became  a  zealous 
Sunday-school  worker.  He  was  sent  as  a  delegate  to 
conventions  at  various  times. 

He  next  worked  at  the  barber's  trade,  but  seeing  that 
he  would  not  make  a  success  in  this  line,  he  gave  it  up 
and  coming  to  Atlanta,  entered  the  Clark  University. 

Soon  after  his  entrance  to  this  school  he  became  quite 
ill  and  remained  so  for  several  months. 

After  his  recovery  he  was  anxious  to  make  money,  so 
he  employed  himself  to  the  Dobbs  Lumber  Company  as- 
woodturner.  Here  he  stayed  thirteen  months.  His 
next  place  of  labor  was  at  the  Western  Union  Telegraph 
Company,  at  a  salary  of  thirty-five  dollars  per  month* 
Next  he  worked  for  the  Advance  Publishing  Company, 
giving  entire  satisfaction. 

Mr.  Wright  is  a  Christian  young  man  and  is  destined 
some  day  to  be  an  honor  tp  his  people  if  he  continues  to 
pursue  the  path  he  has  chosen . 

Since  coming  to  Atlanta  he  has  united  with  the 
Friendship  Baptist  church  under  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter  as 
pastort  and  is  an  important  factor  for  one  so  young. 
May  he  hold  out  faithfully  to  the  end,  thereby  winning  the 
prize. 


198  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

MR.  GEORGE  W.  HATSFIELD, 

GROCEK. 

Somewhere  in  Richmond  county,  Ga.,  A.  D.  1850, 
George  W.  Hatsfield  came  into  this  life.  His  early  days 
were  spent  in  the  capacity  of  house  boy.  He  afterwards 
went  to  the  war  as  servant  to  his  master,  who  was 
most  kind  to  him,  and  by  whose  family  he  was  used  most 
kindly.  In  fact,  his  master  and  family  were  so  good  to 
him  that  after  the  surrender  he  remained  in  their  ser- 
vice, receiving  as  wages  ten  dollars  per  month. 

In  1871  he  conceived  the  desire  to  come  to  Atlanta. 
He  had  not  the  means  with  which  to  do  so,  and  so  bor- 
rowed his  railroad  fare.  Arriving  in  this  city  he  was 
not  long  in  finding  and  obtaining  employment  under  one 
Mr.  Pelligrini,  who  ran  the  terra  cotta  business.  Under 
this  man  he  made  all  sorts  of  statues,  images,  etc.  By 
his  industry  and  aptness  in  this  work,  he  has  from 
time  to  time,  received  as  much  as  two  dollars  per  day. 
He  well  understands  this  work  and  pursues  it  at  no 
mean  profit  to  himself.  In  1875  Mr-  Hatsfield  was 
united  in  holy  wedlock  to  one  Miss  Deys,  and  their  union 
has  been  blest  with  ten  children,  six  of  whom  are  living. 

His  chances  for  education  were  those  of  the  average 
man  who  was  born  a  slave,  but  his  perseverance  in  this 
line  aided  him  in  acquiring  a  pretty  fair  knowledge  in  the 
common  branches  of  study.  •  Many  nights,  after  hard 
day's  work,  he  would  walk  some  distance  to  attend 
night  school,  that  he  might  the  better  fit  himself  for 
life's  great  work,  which  none  but  those  who  are  blest 
with  some  education  can  successfully  accomplish. 

Mr.  Hatsfield  has  at  heart  the  welfare  and  elevation  of 
his  race,  is  a  strong  advocate  of  all  which  pertains  to 
the  good — morally,  mentally  and  financially — of  his  people. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  199 

He  is'in  possession  of  some  fine  property  on  Chapel 
street,  which  consists  in  a  comfortable  residence  and  a 
well-paying  grocery,  which  business  his  industrious  wife 
superintends  during  the  day,  while  he  is  at  work  at  his 
trade.  His  grocery  business  grows  rapidly  and  yields  a 
profitable  income.  Mr.  Hatsfield  pays  taxes  on  twelve 
thousand  dollars  worth  of  property.  Thus  from  a  poor 
boy  has  risen  a  man  of  respectability  and  means. 


CHARLES  WILLIAM  THOMAS, 

OLEKK  IN  TL  S.  COUKT  KOOM,  PRIVATE   SECRETARY  OF 
U.  S.  MARSHAL. 

Many  things  of  value,  because  of  their  apparent  in- 
significance, have  been  considered  of  no  value.  Hence, 
what  was  a  fortune  to  some,  became  a  misfortune  to 
others  by  neglecting  it  for  its  outward  appearance. 

Three  persons  in  company  with  each  other  were  pass- 
ing through  the  streets  of  a  city,  when  they  all  espied 
an  ordinary  package  lying  at  their  feet.  One  passed  it 
by  with  only  a  slight  glance  at  it.  Another  concluded 
it  was  only  a  bundle  of  rubbish.  The  third  stopped, 
looked  down  upon  it,  and  deciding  its  contents  may  be  of 
value,  picked  it  up,  and  on  opening  it  found  therein 
things  of  value. 

Like  the -hero  of  the  preceeding  narrative,  many  sons 
and  daughters  of  the  race,  because  of  no  striking  out- 
ward show,  are  passed  by  unseen,  unknown  until,  per- 
haps, a  good  Samaritan  chances  to  pass  by  who  discovers 
in  them  noble  traits,  which  only  need  the  proper  devel- 
opment. 

Taken    in,    sheltered,    nourished,  they   proved  to    be 


200  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

worthy,  industrious  and  ingenious.  Thus  it  will  be  seen 
in  this  brief  sketch  of  the  life  of  Charles  Wm.  Thomas. 
The  first  person  to  take  any  notice  or  manifest  any  in- 
terest in  this  young  man  was  Miss  Amy  Williams,  the 
inestimable  instructor  of  the  Storrs'  school  of  the  good 
days  of  yore.  She  discovered  in  Charles  an  intellect 
which  needed  only  training  to  perfect  its  magnitude — a 
business  talent  which  required  the  least  cultivation,  and 
many  grand  traits.  She  put  forth  every  effort  to  aid 
him  in  preparing  to  meet  the  tasks  of  this  life  success- 
fully. 

His  mother  was  a  poor  woman  who  maintained  a 
livelihood  by  cooking.  As  much  of  her  earnings  as  she 
could  spare  went  toward  the  support  and  education  of 
her  son.  She  desired  to  see  him  fill  a  man's  sphere,  in 
the  true  sense. 

With  the  ennobling  influence  of  Miss  Williams  and  the 
teaching  and  prayers  of  a  good  mother,  our  hero 
launched  out  toward  the  shores  of  success.  And  to 
those  who  know  the  Charles  W.  Thomas  of  to-day,  it 
need  not  be  told  that  success  has  attended  his  young  life 
thus  far. 

When  he  left  the  Storrs,  Miss  Williams  secured  a  po- 
sition for  him  with  Colonel  A.  E.  Buck.  After  having 
two  months'  instruction  in  stenography  (from  Miss  C.  B. 
Ball)  the  quick  genius  of  this  bright  youth  immediately 
exerted  and  displayed  itself,  and  it  was  not  long  before 
he  became  an  expert  in  stenography.  He  could  take 
speeches  of  any  one  with  ease  and  rapidity. 

During  the  campaign  of  President  Harrison  he  was 
appointed  Chairman  of  the  State  Central  Committee. 

In  1890  he  was  made  a- Master  Mason  ;  in  1891  made 
Grand  Worthy  Chief  of  Crystal  Fount  Lodge  of  the 
Good  Samaritans. 


C.    W.   THOMAS. 


A.  HAMILTON. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  201 

Since  the  death  of  his  step-father,  in  1884,  he  has 
been  the  sole  support  of  his  mother  and  sister. 

During  his  short  life  he  has  filled  many  places  of  note 
and  honor,  and  served  as  clerk  in  the  United  States 
Marshal's  office.  He  is  an  important  member  of  the 
Real  Estate  Loan  and  Trust  Company,  and  member  of 
the  board  of  South  View  Cemetery.  He*  has  acquired 
the  knowledge  of  calligraphy  and  writes  very  skillfully 
from  dictation.  Has  been  clerk  at  the  Sixth  ward  polls 
for  three  terms.  Also  notary  public.  He  is  the  first 
negro  who  has  ever  acted  in  the  capacity  of  record  clerk 
in  the  clerk's  office  ;  also  United  States  Court.  His 
position  now  is  that  of  private  secretary  for  the  United 
States  Marshal. 

This  serviceable,  intelligent  young  man,  in  whose 
short  life  so  much  genius  has  been  displayed,  is  a  Geor- 
gian by  birth,  LaGrange  being  the  place  of  his  nativity, 
the  date  of  his  birth,  February  nth,  1867. 

A  glorious  future  awaits  him,  to  which  he  is  prosper- 
ously approaching. 


MR.  AARON  PERRY, 

INDUSTRIOUS  FARMER  BOY,  SUCCESSFUL  BAKER 
^  THRIVING  RESTAURATEUR. 

"We  may  live  without  poetry,  music  and  arts, 
We  may  live  without  conscience  and  live  without  hearts, 
We  may  live  without  knowledge  and  live  without  books, 
But  civilized  men  cannot  live  without  cooks." 

Neither  can  civilized  women;  and  when  woman  does 
not  engage  in  the  art  of  cooking,  man  must. 

Different  minds  choose  different  spheres.  Some  engage 
in  various  occupations;  some  in  enterprises,  others  ascend 


202  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

to  the  starry  heavens  and  busy  themselves  in  the  science 
of  Astronomy;  while  others  descend  and  busy  themselves 
in  the  science  of  Gastronomy. 

To  the  last  class  belongs  the  subject  of  this  narrative, 
Aaron  Perry.  He  was  born  one  and  a  half  miles  south- 
east of  Columbus,  Muscogee  county,  Georgia,  August  17, 
1858,  where  he  remained  until  he  reached  his  ninth  year. 
His  parents  then  moved  farther  out  and  began  the  work 
of  farming.  Being  unsuccessful  in  this  line  of  labor,  they 
left  Georgia  in  the  year  '70  and  moved  to  Alabama- 
Here  they  remained  four  years,  after  which  time  they 
returned  to  Georgia,  locating  sixty  miles  north  of  Atlanta. 
In  the  meantime,  Aaron  went  back  to  Alabama,  where 
he  labored  as  a  farm  hand,  receiving  as  salary  $75  per  year 
and  board.  Till  now  he  had  never  had  an  opportunity  to 
attend  school,  but  began  to  realize  that  to  do  so  would 
be  a  great  blessing.  Accordingly  he  purchased  a  blue- 
back  spelling  book,  and  with  the  assistance  of  one  Mrs. 
Mulkay,  a  white  ladv,  soon  learned  to  spell  quite  accu- 
rately. So  anxious  was  he  to  acquire  learning,  that  he 
carried  with  him  daily  his  book  to  the  field,  studying  it 
at  odd  times  while  plowing. 

In  1876  Aaron  returned  to  Atlanta,  at  which  place  he 
was  employed  in  a  colored  restaurant.  He  next  obtained 
employment  with  the  Jack  &  Holland  Candy  and  Cracker 
Manufacturing  Co.  Aaron  was  desirous  of  learning  the 
baker's  trade,  and  soon  mastered  it  so  thoroughly  that 
the  firm  made  him  foreman  baker.  In  this  capacity  he 
served  until  he  was  given  a  position  which  had  never 
before  been  given  a  person  of  color  in  the  establishment. 

His  wife  was  a  Miss  Bettie  E.  Holsey,  youngest 
daughter  of  Robert  and  Sallie  Holsey,  of  Athens,  Ga. 
She  is  an  accomplished  and  refined  woman.  The  fruits 
of  their  union  are  three  children :  Glovina  Virginia,  Rob- 
ert Aaron  and  George  Edwin. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  203 

Mr.  Perry  continued  the  baker's  business  for  two  years 
after  his  marriage.  In  the  spring  of  '87  he  was  seized 
with  a  severe  illness,  which  kept  him  confined  for  nearly 
a  year.  Convalescing,  he  went  to  Chicago,  where  he 
spent  five  months.  Returning  to  Atlanta,  he  began  bus- 
iness by  peddling  pies  on  the  street.  He  followed  this 
for  a  year. 

In  1889  he  became  proprietor  of  the  neat,  inviting  res- 
taurant at  No.  — ,  West  Mitchell  street.  Here  Mr.  Perry 
constantly  keeps  on  hand  a  bountiful,  fresh,  palatable 
supply  of  food,  which  satisfies  the  taste  of  the  most  epi- 
curean; also  niceties  and  dainties  of  every  kind. 

By  sobriety  and  strict  attention  to  business,  Mr.  Perry 
has  realized  great  success,  and  is  prepared  against  a 
rainy  day.  He  pays  taxes  on  $1,500  worth  of  property. 


MR.  JAMES  SIMONTON, 

EMINENT   MERCHANT. 

In  the  little  village  of  Watkinsville,  Oconee  county, 
Ga.,  on  July  25,  1851,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
born  in  slavery  When  he  was  but  four  years  old  his 
parents  were  sold  from  him,  but  being  the  property  of 
Judge  Thos.  Simonton,  young  James  was  cared  for  by 
the  judge  until  slavery  was  abolished.  Having  not  the 
guidance  and  tender  care  of  parents  he  drifted  to  and  fro  till 
the  year  1867,  at  which  time  he  came  to  Atlanta  and 
secured  employment  in  u  hotel  as  butler.  He  was  next 
apprenticed  to  the  carpenter's  trade,  and  at  the  same 
time  engaged  in  butchery,  to  which  he  attended  at  night. 
Toiling  away  at  carpentry  during  the  day,  working  at 
butchery  through  the  night,  he  was  soon  able  to  deposit 


204  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

some  of  his  earnings  in  the  bank.  His  first  deposit  was 
three  dollars,  but  little  by  little  he  added  to  this  till  he 
had  what  was  then  to  him  the  snug  little  sum  of  one  hun- 
dred dollars.  At  this  juncture  the  bank  failed,  but  prior 
tothe  failure,  Mr.  Simonton  had  drawn  out  all  of  his  deposit 
but  a  few  cents.  So  he  lost  only  eighty-eight  cents  by 
this  failure.  Soon  afterward,  the  "  Citizens'  Bank  of 
Georgia  "  was  established,  in  which  he  also  made  de- 
posits, and  when  this  bank  failed  he  lost  sixty-seven 
dollars.  Possessing  a  nerve  of  iron,  he  did  not  allow  this 
straw  to  stem  the  tide  of  his  progress,  but  regarded  it  as 
an  incentive. 

In  1889  Mr.  Simonton  was  employed  as  clerk  in 
the  grocery  of  one  Foster  Mitchell,  with  whom  he 
staid  till  death  of  his  employer.  Having  gained  four 
years  experience  in  this  line  of  business,  he  resolved  to 
pursue  it  for  himself.  At  the  opening  up  of  his  business, 
his  total  stock  amounted  to  eighty  dollars.  According 
to  the  late  census  it  is  now  more  than  two  thousand  dol- 
lars. 

Mr.  Simonton's  wife  was  a  Miss  Lizzie  Chatman,  who 
is  industrious  and  economical,  and  renders  him  great 
service  in  his  business-like  life.  They  were  the  first  for 
whom  the  marriage  ceremony  was  performed  in  the 
present  Friendship  Baptist  church,  of  this  city.  Their 
union  resulted  in  four  children,  Benjamin  Hays,  Andrew 
Jackson,  James  Escott  and  Russell  Hugh. 

A  more  useful,  active,  progressive  business  man  than 
Mr.  Simonton  is  hard  to  find.  He  has  occupied  more 
places  in  life  than  one,  was  at  one  time  captain  of  the  At- 
lanta Light  Foot  Infantry,  also  on  the  United  States  jury, 
also  in  the  Superior  Court.  It  can  be  said  of  him  what 
cannot  be  said  of  everyone:  He  grew  up  without. pa- 
rents, with  no  father's  strong  hands  to  point  out  the 'dan- 
gers of  life,  no  loving  mother's  tender  care  to  guide  him. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  205 

Does  not  he  merit  the  respect  given  him  for  having  made 
a  man  of  himself  ?  Mr.  Simonton's  education  is  limited, 
he  having  attended  school  at  the  Storrs  for  a  short  time, 
and  the  school  conducted  by  the  Rev.  D.  L.  Delamotta ; 
but  he  is  a  man  of  broad  experience.  His  business  tact 
is  unsurpassed.  Industry,  thrift,  energy  and  push  are 
stamped  upon  him,  as  may  be  shown  in  the  fact  that  he 
came  to  this  city,  among  strangers,  a  penniless  youth, 
and  now  possesses  more  than  four  thousand  dollars'  worth 
of  real  estate. 

Young  men  of  advantages,  you  should  waste  not  your 
time  and  talent.  Be  sure  you  put  them  to  the  proper 
use;  and  to  you,  who  have  no  other  source  of  help  but 
yourself,  I  would  say  do  not  be  discouraged.  Before 
you  give  up  the  struggle,  consider  the  hardships  of  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  consider  through  what  disadvant- 
ages he  passed.  Fight,  and  you  too  will  win. 


MR.  FELIX  BROWN, 

PROFESSOR  OF  THE  CULINARY  ART. 

Of  the  men  who  are  respected  for  their  moral  and  re- 
ligious qualities,  certainly  no  one  can  object  to  such  a 
worthy  character  as  Mr.  Felix  Brown  for  companion. 

He  lacks  greatly  in  letters,  but  in  being  charitable, 
generous  and  benevolent,  he  lacks  nothing.  Of  industry 
and  thrift,  of  enterprise  and  progress,  and  all  which  tends 
toward  the  development  of  his  race,  he  is  the  very 
embodiment.  He  possesses  a  broad  heart,  and  in  that  heart 
there  is  room  for  the  poor  and  needy.  There  is  no  time 
when  Mr.  Brown  is  not  willing  to  make  some  effort  to 
render  some  one's  condition  better.  He  is  a  great  insti- 
tutor  of  all  kinds  of  charitable  orders,  and  sustains  rela- 


206  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

tions  to  many  of  these  institutions  in  this  city.  He  is  a 
Christian  gentleman,  a  lover  of  home  and  of  the  church, 
easily  entreated,  gentle  in  manner.  He  was  born  A.  D. 
1844. 

While  quite  a  small  boy  his  father  died  and  his  mother 
was  sold  from  him,  so  like  many  others  of  his  fellowmen 
he  was  thrown  among  strangers.  Early  in  life  he 
learned  the  profession  of  cooking,  and  is  now  a  cook  of 
the  first  order.  He  has  filled  that  capacity  in  all  of  the 
leading  hotels  in  Georgia  and  many  in  other  states. 

From  the  old  reliable  National  Hotel  in  the  city  of 
Atlanta  to  the  magnificent  Markham  House,  Mr.  Brown 
filled  well  the  sphere  of  a  first-class  cook.  In  fact  he  has 
been  employed  in  most  of  the  leading  hotels  of  the 
South.  It  may  be  interesting  to  the  reader,  and  also 
serve  to  show  this  gentleman's  reputation  in  this  line,  for 
me  to  give  the  names  of  some  of  the  cities  in  which  he 
has  ruled  over  the  culinary  department:  Atlanta,  Au- 
gusta, Savannah,  Macon,  Gainesville,  Rome  in  Georgia; 
Chattanooga,  Tate  Springs,  in  Tennessee  ;  Birmingham 
in  Alabama;  Asheville  in  North  Carolina;  Jacksonville, 
in  Florida;  Watch  Hill  in  Rhode  Island.  Surely  he 
is  master  of  his  profession. 

Mr.  Brown  has  been  twice  married,  his  first  wife  hav- 
ing died  leaving  two  children.  The  fruits  of  his  second 
union  are  two  children,  also.  The  first  two  children  he 
has  given  a  fair  education,  and  is  educating  the  other 
two  younger  ones.  He  is  a  man  of  some  means.  Owns 
property  on  the  beautiful  and  popular  Eegewood  avenue, 
valued  at  eight  thousand  dollars;  also  other  real  estate 
and  some  cash.  It  pays  to  be  industrious;  it  pays  to  be 
economical.  He  has  been  engaged  in  hotel  business 
since  the  year  1866. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  207 

ALEXANDER   HAMILTON, 

CCXNTKACTOK  AND  BUILDER 

In  the  dark  days  of  reconstruction,  when  men  of  worth 
for  the  race  were  comparatively  few,  among  those  who 
stood  boldly  in  the  cause  of  the  defense  and  interests  of 
the  race,  was  Mr.  Alexander  Hamilton.  Though  his 
opportunities  for  an  education  were  very  limited  he, 
nevertheless,  used  to  a  great  advantage  those  talents 
with  which  he  was  endowed.  In  political  life  he  then 
wielded  a  great  power,  and  that  to  the  betterment  of  his 
people. 

'In  1862  he  was  in  the  army,  remaining  one  year  in  the 
South,  then  transposing  to  the  North;  he  participated  in 
several  engagements.  In  peace  as  hs.  war,  he  exempli- 
fied great  courage. 

In Alabama,  his  former  home,  he  married  a 

Miss  Mattie  Crocker,  now  deceased.  They  had  born  to 
them  five  sons,  three  of  whom  are  now  living. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  Alabama, 
serving  a  two  years'  term  ;  ran  as  a  member  of  the  city 
council  of  Eufaula,  Ala.,  and  was  regularly  elected  ; 
was  foreman  of  a  jury  of  Barber  county,  which  position 
is  seldom  given  to  a  man  of  color. 

In  1877  he  came  to  Atlanta,  his  present  home.  Not 
long  since  he  married  Miss  Grant,  a  genial,  cultured  lady, 
of  Charleston,  S.  C. 

Mr.  Hamilton  ranks  as  one  of  the  best  contractors  in 
the  city.  He  was  superintendent  of  the  work  of  W.  L. 
Trainer  &  Co.  for  several  years.  He  also  was  the  con- 
tractor of  Morris-Brown  College,  and  many  of  the  most 
beautiful  houses  in  the  city,  on  Peachtree  and  Washing- 
ton streets.  The  brick  structure  of  the  Good  Samaritan 
building,  on  Ivy  street,  was  erected  under  his  super- 


208  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

/ 

vision.  In  fact,  Mr.  Hamilton  stands  fair  as  a  prominent 
factor  in  these  lines,  and  the  numerous  structures  all  over 
the  city  which  have  been  built  under  him  are  enough  to 
recommend  to  all  that  skilled  labor  is  amply  repaid. 

Mr.  Hamilton  is  a  gentleman  of  considerable  wealth, 
and  stands  in  high  estimation  among  the  representatives 
of  the  races.  If  there  be  one  who,  by  his  own  labors, 
through  hardships  and  difficulties,  has  won  his  way  from 
servility  to  honor  and  confidence  in  the  estimation  of  both 
races,  it  is  the  subject  of  the  above  sketch. 

In  commenting  on  his  life  we  can  but  speak  generally, 
for  the  benevolent  enterprises  and  acts  relative  to  the 
race,  in  which  he  engaged,  are  too  numerous  to  here 
mention  in  detail. 

He  is  in  possession  of  some  very  valuable  real  estate. 
The  handsome  residence  recently  erected  by  him  is  an 
object  of  "  beauty  "  and  attraction. 

Mr.  Hamilton  is  a  Christian  gentleman,  and  is  held  in 
high  respect  and  esteem  by  all  whose  good  luck  it  is  to 
know  him. 


REV.  JAMES  BUCHANAN  BORDERS, 

SUCCESSFUL  TEACHER,  DEVOUT  BAPTIST  PREACHER. 

It  is  a  pleasure  to  me  to  be  able  to  relate  the  following 
facts,  as  I  know  them,  of  this  godly  man's  life : 

He  was  a  student  of  the  A.  B.  S.  at  the  same  time  the 
author  was,  and  we  were  classmates.  During  those  days 
he  manifested  a  true  Christian  character  and  was  never 
known  to  deviate  from  the  path  of  rectitude  and  duty. 
He  took  no  part  in  frivolity,  but  was  always  diligent  and 
attentive  to  his  studies.  The  consequence  was  that  he 
made  rapid  progress  and  graduated  with  honor. 


FELIX    BROWN. 


REV.  J.    B.   BORDERS. 


JAMES  SIMONTON. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  209 

The  elder  Borders  was  a  pious  man,  who  gave  in  the 
days  of  slavery  a  large  portion  of  his  time  preaching  to 
his  fellow  men,  who,  unlike  himself,  were  held  as  slaves. 
From  both  the  father  and  mother  young  Borders  inher- 
ited the  spirit  of  Christianity,  which  has  characterized 
him  so  prominently.  At  quite  an  early  age  he  sought 
and  found  Christ  as  his  Savior,  and  was  baptized  by  his 
father. 

In  1884,  during  the  month  of  October,  he  was  ordained 
to  the  Gospel  ministry  by  the  Rev.  E.  K.  Love,  D.  D., 
G.  H.  Washington  and  Jeremiah  Spence.  In  1886  he 
was  chosen  principal  of  the  Jackson  Academy  at  Forsyth, 
Ga.,  which  position  he  held  honorably  for  a  year,  when 
he  resigned  to  accept  the  pastorate  of  the  Liberty  Bap- 
tist church  at  Cuthbert,  Ga.  During  his  term  of  princi- 
palship  of  the  above  named  school,  it  was  said  by  the  C. 
S.  C.  and  patrons  of  said  school,  that  he  gave  better  sat- 
isfaction than  any  of  his  predecessors;  and  many  were 
the  protestations  when  he  tendered  his  resignation. 

After  serving  this  church  acceptably  for  a  year,  bap- 
tizing many  souls  into  the  membership  thereof,  he  ac- 
cepted the  charge  of  the  Saint  James  Baptist  church,  at 
Forsyth,  Monroe  county,  Ga.,  thinking  that  he  could  do 
more  good  in  a  larger  field  of  labor.  Thus  against  the 
wishes  and  prayers  of  the  members  of  Liberty  church, 
he  became  pastor  of  the  one  at  Forsyth.  During  his 
pastorate  of  four  years  at  Forsyth,  he  gave  good  satis- 
faction as  leader  and  pastor,  and  was  the  instrumental  in 
bringing  many  souls  to  Christ.  At  one  time  he  baptized 
more  than  one  hundred  souls.  He  also  renovated  the 
church  house  at  a  great  cost,  making  it  a  neat  and  at- 
tractive house  of  worship. 

In  1891  he  was  chosen  Secretary  of  the  Middle  Geor- 
gia Baptist  Association,  which  is  one  of  the  largest  in  the 

14 


210  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

State,  with  about  eighty-five  churches  and  a  membership 
of  eight  thousand.  He  served  in  this  capacity  two  ses- 
sions, when  his  work  becoming  too  burdensome,  he  re- 
signed, against  the  will  of  the  entire  body.  A  committee 
was  appointed  at  the  time  of  his  resignation  to  draft  res- 
olutions thanking  him  for  such  efficient  service  while 
being  clerk. 

In  1892,  October  24th,  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate 
of  the  Mt.  Olive  Baptist  church  at  Macon,  Bibb  county, 
Ga.  This  is  a  very  strong  church,  owning  property 
worth  more  than  fifteen  thousand  dollars.  Rev.  Borders 
did  not  accept  the  call  to  this  church  at  once,  but  waited  as 
is  his  custom  for  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Finally, 
after  several  weeks  premeditation,  he  resigned  his  con- 
gregation at  Forsyth,  and  accepted  the  church  of  which 
he  is  now  pastor. 

No  man  has  undergone  more  hardships  than  Rev. 
Borders;  but  being  a  man  of  God,  and  one  who  trusts 
fully  in  God's  guidance,  he  has  overcome  so  far  all  ob- 
stacles, and  is  now  carrying  on  a  successful  work  for 
Christ.  It  can  be  said  of  him,  and  with  truth,  that  no 
servant  and  follower  of  the  Master  labors  more  zealously 
in  His  vineyard  than  does  he  who  represents  this  narra- 
tive. 

Rev.  Borders  is  a  man  of  unblemished  character,  and 
is  a  Christian  gentleman.  May  he  live  long  to  do  much 
work  for  the  Master,  is  the  wish  of  the  writer. 


MR.  JOSHUA  SHARP. 

A   EISING  YOUNG  MAN. 

He  was  born  in  Green  county,  Penfield,  Ga.,  A.  D. 
1859,  and  was  the  son  of  Daniel  and  Emeline  S.  His 
mother  was  a  Christian  lady  of  the  Baptist  faith. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  211 

When  he  reached  the  age  of  fourteen  he  was  sent  to 
the  village  school,  but  being  the  only  help  of  his  mother, 
he  could  remain  in  school  but  two  weeks. 

He  employed  himself  for  twenty-five  cents  per  day, 
his  work  consisting  in  cutting  and  cording  wood  and 
burning  coal;  by  this  he  was  able  to  contribute  to  the 
support  of  his  mother  and  three  sisters.  He  also  pur- 
chased an  acre  of  land  upon  which  he  built  a  cottage. 

Though  he  had  to  toil  incessantly  for  a  livelihood  he  did 
not  neglect  to  contribute  something  to  his  mind,  but 
availed  himself  of  every  opportunity  to  increase  his  small 
store  of  knowleege,  which  resulted  in  his  obtaining  a 
pretty  fair  common  education.  In  1881  he  married  Miss 
Lena  Laster  and  came  to  Atlanta,  Ga.,  to  reside.  The 
union  was  blessed  by  one  child. 

When  Mr.  Sharp  came  to  Atlanta  he  had  in  cash  only 
three  dollars,  which  he  paid  out  the  day  after  his  arrival 
or  house  rent.  He  was  then  without  a  penny,  and  had 
to  borrow  one  dollar  and  seventy-five  cents  with  which 
to  pay  for  his  baggage.  Owing  to  his  persevering  na- 
ture he  was  not  long  a  dweller  of  this  city  before  he  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  employment  on  the  E.  T.,  V.  &  G.  R. 
R.  He  next  engaged  himself  as  coachman  to  a  private 
family,  for  which  he  was  paid  twenty-six  dollars  per 
month  and  board.  He  served  in  this  capacity  for  nine 
months,  after  which  he  went  to  learn  the  brick  mason's 
trade.  He  first  worked  at  this  for  eighty-five  cents  per 
day,  but  because  of  his  promptness  and  energy  his  em- 
ployer increased  his  wages  to  one  dollar  and  twenty-five 
cents  per  day.  Completing  his  apprenticeship  he  began 
to  take  contracts;  the  first  of  which  was  the  Girls'  High 
School,  on  East  Mitchell  street.  He  realized  quite  a  snug 
little  sum  from  this  work,  which  he  deposited  in  the  bank. 

The  bank  failed  and  he  lost.  Nothing  daunted  he  was 
soon  ready  to  make  deposits  in  another  bank;  but  pre- 


212  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

ferred  to  invest  it  in  real  estate.  In  1886  he  was  bap- 
tized by  the  writer  and  united  with  the  Friendship  Bap- 
tist church,  in  which  he  is  a  useful  member. 

He   pays  taxes  on  twelve  hundred  dollars'  worth  of 
property. 


W.  A.  HARRIS, 
DEALER  IN  LUMBER. 

W.  A.  Harris,  son  of  Elijah  and  Mary  Harris,  began 
life  near  Senoia,  Ga.,  A.  D.  1861.  At  close  of  the  war 
the  father  died,  leaving  the  mother  and  eight  children  to 
the  cold  charity  of  the  world.  Soon  after  the  death  of 
the  father,  the  mother  became  quite  ill  and  lingered  a 
year  or  more,  when  death  freed  her.  Thus  the  children 
were  left  to  fight  life's  battle  alone. 

The  subject  becoming  of  an  age  when  he  could  work 
for  his  support,  sought  immediately  for  employment. 
Having  to  make  his  own  support,  he  had  not  the  oppor- 
tunity of  attending  school  but  a  very  short  time. 

But  he  seized  all  the  information  which  he  had  a. 
chance  to  do,  thereby  being  able  to  make  his  way  through 
life  thus  far  a  success.  Coming  to  Atlanta,  he  employed 
himself  to  W.  J.  Willingham,  the  lumber  dealer.  His 
sobriety  and  integrity  won  the  respect  and  trust  of  his 
employer,  and  he  was  made  foreman  and  salesman  for 
the  firm,  which  position  he  still  holds.  He  is  also  a  man 
of  some  means,  being  in  possession  of  some  neat  cottages 
on  Chapel  street.  As  it  is  seen  by  this,  now  and  then  our 
brother  in  white,  seeing  the  real  worth  of  his  brother  in 
black,  opens  his  heart  and  the  avenue  to  places  of  honor 
and  lets  him  in.  Thus  it  has  been  with  the  hero  of  this 
narrative. 

Hasten  onward,  oh  time,  in  your  flight,  when  a  man- 
will  be  a  man  "  for  a'  that  and  a'  that." 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  213 


PROF.  WILLIAM  E.  HOLMES,  A.  M. 

The  character  of  this  sketch  is  one  that  there  cannot 
"be  too  much  said  about.  If  we  speak  of  his  interest  in 
the  race  advancement — progress,  thereis  none  to  equal 
him.  If  of  his  scholarship,  he  is  the  equal  of  any.  If  of 
character,  as  far  as  human  beings  can  be  pure,  he  is 
that  in  character.  If  of  manners,  he  is  as  polite  as  an 
angel.  He  would  take  the  prize  any  where.  An  able, 
genial,  noble  man  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  was 
born  in  the  city  of  Augusta,  Georgia,  January  22.  1856. 
His  parents  were  slaves,  his  father  belonging  to  one 
family  and  his  mother  to  another.  Separated  as  they 
were,  the  care  and  responsibility  of  rearing  him  devolved 
upon  his  mother.  Fortunately  for  her,  in  the  immediate  ser- 
vice of  her  master,  who  was  a  planter,  she  never  spent  a 
day.  -  From  early  youth  to  the  close  of  the  war  she  was 
hired  out,  and  the  family  in  whose  employ  she  passed  the 
last  fourteen  years  of  her  slave  life,  consisting  of  a  father, 
mother  and  son,  were  very  kind.  The  head  of  the  family 
was  a  contracting  carpenter,  and  did  business  on  a  large 
scale,  and,  as  is  characteristic  with  most  Southern  men, 
lived  an  easy,  free-going  life,  never  thinking  of  expenses 
in  providing  for  his  family.  There  being  but  one  child 
on  his  premises,  he  took  a  liking  to  William  at  an  early 
age,  and  made  a  pet  of  him.  He  ate  at  his  table,  slept 
in  his  bed,  and  accompanied  him  in  his  walks.  In  this 
kind  treatment  his  wife  and  son  vied  with  him.  His  home 
was  indeed  a  pleasant  one.  Books  and  papers  were  not 
kept  from  him,  or,  indeed,  anything  which  was  elevating 
and  ennobling  in  its  tendencies.  His  mother  being  able 
to  read,  early  inspired  with  love  for  books,  had  taught 
him  to  read.  During  the  last  years  of  the  war  she  sent 
him  to  school,  carefully  concealing  his  books  under  his 


214  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

clothes  to  avoid  arrest,  for  even  the  elementary  instruc- 
tion of  Negro  youth  in  slavery  was  forbidden,  and  the 
authorities  were  ever  on  the  alert.  All  over  the  South 
they  were  preparing,  in  this  secret  way,  a  host  to  go 
forth  and  raise  up  their  people,  for  had  this  not  been  the 
case,  our  race  would  never  have  made  such  progress  in 
so  short  a  time.  From  1865  to  1871  he  continued  his 
studies  under  some  of  the  best  teachers  from  New  Eng- 
land. On  account  of  ill  health  he  suspended  his  studies 
that  year,  and  was  hired  to  a  cabinet  maker  and  under- 
taker, in  whose  employ  he  continued  two  years,  but  still 
kept  up  his  studies.  On  December  10, 1874, ne  was  con" 
verted  and  joined  the  Thankful  Baptist  church  at  Au- 
gusta, and  on  the  7th  of  February  following  was  baptized 
in  the  Savannah  river.  That  year  he  began  school  at 
the  Augusta  Institute,  prosecuting  his  studies  for  seven 
years  without  interruption — four  years  in  the  city  of  Au- 
gusta, and  three  years  in  the  city  of  Atlanta,  after  the 
removal  of  the  school  to  that  city  and  its  incorporation 
under  the  name  of  "The  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary,"  Dr. 
Joseph  T.  Roberts,  President.  He  was  a  trustworthy 
disciple  to  that  good  man,  to  whom  he  owes  much  for 
his  instruction.  Shortly  after  he  entered  the  institution 
he  was  gradually  promoted  until  graduation,  when  he 
was  made  a  full  professor.  Besides  doing  the  work  of 
the  prescribed  course  of  literary  and  theological  studies,, 
he  has  had  thorough  instruction,  careful  preliminary  in- 
struction in  the  Hebrew  language.  He  went  to  Chicago 
and  was  favored  with  the  personal  training  of  Dr.  William 
R.  Harper,  the  learned  professor  of  Oriental  languages 
at  Yale  University,  and  for  two  years  he  pursued  the 
study  of  German  under  a  gentleman  who  completed  his 
education  in  one  of  the  German  universities,  and  French 
under  a  graduate  of  Colby  University.  He  was  licensed 
to  preach  on  the  2ist  of  June,  1878,  and  on  the  2d  of 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  215 

September,  1881,  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  in 
May,  1883,  ne  was  elected  to  the  corresponding  sec- 
retaryship of  the  Baptist  Convention  of  Georgia,  which 
position  he  held  one  year.  Recently  he  delivered  a  lec- 
ture before  the  Spellman  and  Baptist  Seminaries,  his 
subject  being  "  The  Negro  Problem. "  It  was  well  re- 
ceived. He  has  at  various  times  been  called  to  fill  posi- 
tions of  prominence  and  trust.  He  is  secretary  of  the 
faculty  of  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary,  corresponding 
secretary  for  the  State  of  Georgia  of  the  American  Na- 
tional Baptist  Convention,  member  for  1888  of  the  com- 
mittee to  report  to  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  So- 
ciety on  the  colored  people,  member  of  the  Local  Board  of 
Trustees  of  Spellman  Baptist  Seminary.  The  degree  of 
Master  of  Arts  was  conferred  upon  him  by  the  Univer- 
sity of  Chicago  June  n,  1884.  He  is  worth  about  five 
thousand  dollars.  He  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Easley, 
a  graduate  of  the  Atlanta  University,  July  15,  1886,  who 
taught  in  the  public  schools  of  Atlanta.  He  is  a  man 
universally  beloved  and  admired  by  all  who  know  him. 


THE  MT.  OLIVE  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

This  church  is  situated  on  the  east  side  of  the  city,  in 
the  Fourth  ward,  on  the  corner  of  Harris  and  Butler 
streets.  It  is  one  of  the  most  elegant,  unique  and  at- 
tractive church  edifices  in  the  city.  It  is  beautifully 
adorned  on  the  inside  with  most  adapted  colors  in  wall 
papers  of  the  modest  kind  for  church  purposes.  The 
walls  are  richly  reflected  by  the  exquisite  variegated 
colors  from  the  cathedral  glass.  Its  vestibule  and  belfry 
are  arranged  in  taste  and  symmetrical  beauty.  The 
pulpit  is  also  arranged  in  equally  as  great  a  taste  and 
harmony  with  all  the  other  portions.  This  church  was 


216  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

founded  in  1886,  with  fifty-six  members,  by  Rev.  W.  R. 
demons.  Since  the  date  of  its  organization  it  has  stead- 
ily increased  in  its  membership  and  power  for  good. 
Since  the  day  of  Rev.  demons  it  has  had  two  very  able 
pastors,  whose  labors  cannot  be  too  highly  spoken  of, 
viz.:  Rev.  C.  H.  Lyons  and  the  present  pastor,  Rev. 
E.  J.  Fisher.  Under  Rev.  Fisher  the  membership  has 
increased  to  six  hundred  from  its  organization.  Among 
those  that  make  up  this  membership  are  some  of  the 
best  and  most  refined  people  of  our  city;  all  of  which  is 
due  to  the  eloquence  of  its  able  pastor  and  his  power  to 
draw.  This  affable  Christian  gentlemen  and  gospel 
minister  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  this  church  Octo- 
ber, 1889.  Since  that  day  there  have  been  brought  into 
this  church  some  of  the  strongest  and  most  devout 
Christian  men  and  women  of  any  church  in  the  city. 
Among  them  are  N.  L.  Black,  the  efficient  and  genial 
superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school. 

The  following  are  those  who  compose  the  deaconry : 
C.  B.  Banks,  L.  Wellon,  R.  Coles,  I.  A.  Thomas.  The 
Dorcases  and  those  in  whom  the  spirit  of  mission  work 
is  found,  Miss  L.  L.  Turner,  Mrs.  Eliza  Johnson,  Miss 
Lula  Harris;  all  of  which  is  due  to  the  indefatigable 
leadership  of  their  learned  pastor.  He  has  baptized 
over  twelve  hundred  persons,  and  has  traveled  and 
labored  in  evangelical  work  in  this  State  and  others. 

Rev.  Fisher  is  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  culture 
and  the  best  element  of  success.  Notwithstanding  all 
the  pastoral  and  ministerial  work  he  has  accomplished, 
burdened  at  the  same  time  with  a  large  family,  he  has 
accumulated  considerable  property,  so  that  now,  from  a 
financial  standpoint,  is  in  good  condition. 


MT.    OLIVE   BAPTIST  CHILKCH. 


READ   STREET   BAPTIST   CHURCH. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  217 


ELLA  P.  WILSON. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Atlanta,  where 
she  has  lived  the  greater  part  of  her  life. 

She  was  educated  at  Atlanta  University,  where  she 
graduated  in  18 — . 

The  greatest  part  of  her  labor  has  been  among  the 
youth  of  this  and  surrounding  counties,  until  her  election 
to  a  place  in  Gray  Street  school,  five  years  ago. 

Ella  (Baker)  Wjlson  is  a  woman  of  large  sympathy, 
fearless  courage,  strong  will,  strict  religious  convictions 
and  transparent  truthfuluess.  She  is  no  idealist,  but  hav- 
ing had  acquaintance  with  the  stern  actualities  of  life,  is 
a  true  realist.  Her  devotion  to  her  church,  her  creed 
and  her  God  is  something  beautiful  to  contemplate,  while 
her  devotion  to  her  family  and  friends  is  full  of  self-sac- 
rifice and  self-forgetting.  Her  energy  shows  itself  in 
every  lineament  of  her  countenance,  upon  which  charac- 
ter is  written  in  legible  characters,  and  in  her  every  move- 
ment, which  seem  full  of  suppressed  force,  needing  but 
an  occasion  to  flash  forth  and  scintilate  in  energetic  action. 

She  has  .been  since  a  child  a  true  and  consistent  mem- 
ber of  Friendship  Baptist  church,  where  she  is  ever  seen, 
taking  a  lively  and  sensible  part  in  the  lay  work  of  the 
church. 

Her  ambition  always  seems  to  be  to  be  exact;  this  shows 
itself  in  her  scholarship.  Without  any  vain  attempt  at 
display  or  egotistic  pretensions  to  splendid  natural  parts 
or  superior  acquirements,  she  has,  by  merit  and  merit 
alone,  gained  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  best  in- 
formed and  most  accurate  scholars  among  the  ladies  of 
our  city,  and  having  a  masculine  mind,  many  men  fear 
her  trenchant  logic  and  evade  the  collision  of  wits  with  her. 

By  pursuing  researches  in  biblical  work,  and  examin- 


218  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

ing  theological  questions,  her  mind  was  turned  to  biblical 
criticism.  Her  "  Thesis  on  Luke  "  was  the  outcome,  for 
which  she  received  a  certificate  of  merit  from  Dr.  Harper, 
of  Morgan  Park,  Chicago.  This  is  but  one  of  the  nu- 
merous monographs  from  her  able  and  fertile  brain. 

As  a  teacher,  from  the  time  that  she  first  wielded  the 
birch  in  a  country  school  to  the  present  time,  she  has  been 
a  decided  success. 

Her  re-election  to  Gray  Street  school,  the  finest  school 
in  Atlanta,  for  five  successive  years,  attests  the  value 
attached  to  her  services  by  the  principal  and  the  Board  of 
Education  of  Atlanta  Public  Schools,  who  engineer  the 
finest  system  of  schools  in  the  South,  and  one  of  the  best 
graded  and  regulated,  as  well  as  most  effective,  in  the 
United  States. 

Her  pupils  get  the  benefit  of  the  best  methods,  and  are 
brought  directly  under  the  finest  discipline.  They  do 
well,  and  reflect  credit  on  their  teacher 

Taken  all  in  all,  her  character,  worth  and  work  reflects 
credit  upon  her  town,  her  school  and  upon  her  race. 


REED  STREET  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  Reed  Street  Ba  ptist  church,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  is  a  hou  se  of  worship  that  shows  taste  in  its  plan 
and  arrangement,  bea  uty  in  its  architecture .  This  church 
was  fir  st  known  as  Pleasant  Grove  Baptist  church.  At 
the  tim  e  it  bore  this  name,  Rev.  Robert  Epps,  one  of  the 
most  t  horoughgoing,  energetic  and  eloquent  preachers,, 
was  its  pastor.  For  many  years  Rev.  Epps  took  the 
foremost  lead,  and  ranked  among  the  best  brethren,  andr 
in  fact,  was  one  of  the  strongholds  in  Zion,  and  in  the 
work  of  the  State.  He  was  a  preacher  among  those  who 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  219 

preached  the  best,  noble  among  those  who  were  noble, 
honored  among  those  who  were  honorable.  He  was 
often  chosen  to  preach  the  leading  sermons  of  the  Baptist 
Convention  of  Georgia.  His  fame  as  a  preacher  went 
far  and  wide.  Whenever  it  was  known  that  Rev.  Epps 
was  to  preach,  the  people  came  from  every  direction  to 
hear  the  great  preacher.  This  church  was  organized  by 
Rev.  Epps  in  18 — ,  which  he  served  for  some  considera- 
ble number  of  years  with  signal  success. 

In  1876,  Rev.  Charles  O.  Jones  was  called  pastor  of 
this  church.  Rev.  Jones,  the  present  pastor,  has  greatly 
improved  upon  the  house  of  worship  of  the  day  of  Rev. 
Epps.  The  house  in  which  these  good  people  wor- 
shipped was  an  old  wooden  structure.  This  has  been 
torn  away  and  a  more  commodious  house,  built  of  brick 
and  on  modern  order,  with  cathedral  glass  windows,  with 
a  seating  capacity  between  five  and  six  hundred.  The 
plan  of  the  floor  is  that  of  an  incline,  and  the  seats  are  so 
arranged  that  all  who  sit  in  the  rear  can  see  as  well  as 
those  in  front.  The  walls  are  overlaid  with  beautiful 
paper,  which  gives  an  air  of  pleasantness  and  cheerful- 
ness to  those  who  come  to  worship.  Too  much  cannot 
be  said  about  the  noble  pastor  of  this  church.  He  is  a 
man  of  great  patience,  long  suffering  and  of  great  endur- 
ance. He  is  a  graduate  of  the  theological  deparment-of 
the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary.  He  is  an  exceptional 
preacher,  of  indomitable  will  and  very  courageous  in  all 
of  his  work.  With  these  characteristics  he  has  accom- 
plished much  for  himself,  people  and  Master.  He  has 
succeeded  wonderfully  in  imparting  this  spirit  to  his  peo- 
ple, old  and  young. 

Just  here  we  mention  some  of  the  prominent  and  affable 
members  of  this  church.  As  mothers  of  this  church  we 
mention  Mrs.  Beasley,  Mrs.  Nettie  Lary,  Mrs.  Nancy 
Mitchell,  Mrs.  Jenkins,  Mrs.  Filer  Anderson.  As 


220  THE  BLACK 

leading  and  thoroughgoing,  energetic  men  of  this  church, 
is  the  able  and  efficient  superintendent,  Milton  Wash- 
burn,  and  the  inestimable  assistant,  J.  H.  Brooks.  Deacon 
W.  A.  Jones  is  a  young  man  of  high  aspiration,  and  one 
who  takes  very  great  pride  in  the  work  of  his  church. 
Doubtless  there  is  no  man  that  has  done  more  for  the  up- 
building of  that  church.  However,  I  would  be  guilty  of 
gross  injustice  were  I,  by  the  slightest  attempt,  discoun- 
tenance, or  in  any  way  speak  disparagingly  of  the  work 
of  the  other  grand  and  noble  men  of  the  deaconry,  viz. : 
David  Render,  Willis  Jones  and  Knowlley.  Equally  as 
much  may  be  said  about  the  following  brothers  and  sis- 
ters :  R.  L.  Jones,  who  is  the  able  clerk  of  the  church; 
Daniel  Jones,  R.  B.  Jones,  Rev.  Willis  Graver,  Owen 
Jones  and  Miss  Emma  Jones.  And  then  there  is  a  grand 
choir  of  some  of  the  most  worthy  and  enterprising  young 
ladies  that  would  be  an  honor  and  credit  to  any  church 
to  have  in  its  membership.  Miss  Laura  Maddox  is  one 
of  the  brightest  scholars  in  the  city,  and  is  one  of  the 
teachers  in  the  public  schools  of  Atlanta,  and  was  for  the 
first  term  assistant  principal.  The  other  young  ladies 
deserve  praise  for  their  labor  and  work  in  this  church: 
Miss  Mary  Williams,  Miss  Lena  Davis,  Miss  Mamie 
Washburn,  Miss  Lula  Washburn,  Miss  Bessie  Washburn, 
Miss  Janie  Carr,  Miss  I.  Lee  Williams. 

These  and  a  host  of  others  are  the   able   and   efficient 
workers  of  the  Reed  Street  Baptist  church. 


SKETCH  OF  THE  PASTORS    OF    BETHEL   A. 
M.  E.  CHURCH,  ATLANTA. 

The  Allen  family  is  one  of  the  largest  in  the  world — 
many  different  climes  on  this  broad  earth  can  boast  of 
its  children.  We  shall  speak  of  those  members  of  this 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  221 

family  who,  from  time  to  time,  have  taken  up  their  abode 
at  one  of  the  family  residences  in  our  city.  The  first  to 
take  charge  of  this  sacred  house,  then  on  Jenkins  street 
(see  fifth  chapter),  was  Rev.  J.  A.  Wood,  who  labored 
with  might  and  power  to  build  up  the  family.  Times 
were  different  then  to  what  they  are  now,  so  he  labored 
under  many  difficulties,  but  success  was  his.  Next  came 
Rev.  W.  J.  Gaines,  who  saw  at  once  that  this  part  of  the 
family  needed  a  new  residence,  so  set  to  work  to  build 
one  on  Wheat  street  (he  yet  seems  to  have  that  power  to 
see  quickly  what  is  needed).  This  house  is  useful  yet, 
though  crumbling  with  age.  He  had  great  success,  and 
won  many  souls.  After  his  time  was  out  he  went  to 
take  charge  of  another  house.  We  had  in  his  stead  Rev. 
1?.  J.  Peck,  who  aroused  the  family  by  his  learned  talksr 
and  many  flocked  to  hear  him.  He  saw  that  this  resi- 
dence needed  an  addition  to  hold  the  children,  so  he  add- 
ed an  up-stairs  room  (the  gallery),  which  helped  the  cause 
very  much.  The  next  head  of  the  family  was  Rev.  C. 
L.  Bradwell,  who  came  with  all  earnestness  and  worked 
with  all  his  might.  The  children,  too,  seemed  to  be  in 
earnest  about  their  work,  seeing  their  father  so  willing 
to  help  them.  When  his  time  was  out  he  left  to  take 
charge  of  another  house.  Rev.  W.  D .  Johnson  then  took 
charge.  He  spent  a  short  while  with  the  children,  but 
made  them  feel  very  happy,  and  many  shouts  of  amen ! 
and  hallelujah!  were  heard  while  he  was  here.  Rev.  S. 
H.  Robertson  was  at  the  head  of  this  family  next.  He 
worked  hard  to  point  the  children  to  the  Better  Land, 
and  felt  their  interest  in  every  way.  He  left  in  a  short 
while  to  talk  to  another  part  of  the  family.  Rev.  F.  J. 
Peck  then  returned  to  the  house,  and  as  before,  carried 
on  the  good  work  to  the  delight  of  all.  The  next  man 
of  the  house  who  called  the  children  in  to  listen  to  his 
words  was  Rev.  R.  A.  Hall.  He  wanted  to  instill  in. 


222  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

them  the  qualities  which  he  possessed — dignity  and  pride. 
So,  said  he,  "  We  are  too  proud  to  live  in  this  residence 
without  a  steeple  or  bell."  Then  the  children  began  to 
feel  so  too;  so  up  went  the  steeple,  and  in  it  was  placed 
the  bell.  It  soon  sounded  forth  to  the  delight  of  all. 
Again  he  sard:  "Some  people  think  that  if  I  have  you 
change  this  way  of  sitting,  the  male  members  of  the 
family  on  one  side  of  the  house  and  the  female  on  the 
other,  you  will  sit  and  talk  while  I  am  instructing  you  in 
your  Christian  duties,  but  you  will  be  too  dignified  for 
that  I  know."  So  the  change  was  made,  and  now  we 
like  to  see  ladies  and  gentlemen  sitting  together  much 
better  than  the  old  way.  He  also  told  the  children  to 
honor  the  celebration  of  the  death  and  sufferings  of 
their  elder  brother  by  removing  their  right  hand  glove 
before  catching  hold  of  the  cup.  Many  children  were 
added  to  the  family  during  his  stay  at  the  house;  they 
came  in  so  fast  and  in  such  large  numbers  the  doors 
of  this  house  were  not  closed  for  three  weeks,  but  stood 
open  night  and  day.  Those  who  came  in  then  will  al- 
ways have  pleasant  recollections  of  his  tender  care  and 
of  the  sweet  songs  he  sang  to  them  while  they  were  com- 
ing in.  Dr.  W.  J.  Gaines  then  had  charge  of  the  house  for 
some  time,  and  his  work  was  felt,  not  only  in  the  family, 
but  throughout  the  city.  Said  he,  one  Sunday,  "  I  al- 
ways feel  more  like  preaching  in  the  mornings  than  at 
any  service  during  the  day  ;  let  us  make  true  the  words, 
4  Lord,  in  the  mornings  Thou  shalt  hear  my  voice  ascend- 
ing on  high.' '  He  urged  that  all  would  try  to  make 
morning  service  the  best  of  the  day.  He  succeeded 
in  this. "  If  you  do  not  believe  it,  go  to  every  other  house 
in  the  city,  on  Sunday  mornings  then  come  to  this  one, 
and  see  if  the  attendance  is  not  greater  than  at  any 
of  them.  After  doing  a  noble  work,  he  was  called 
to  another  house.  Then  Rev.  R.  Graham  walked  in 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  223 

to  take  charge  of  the  children.  He  was  with  them  a 
short  while,  but  labored  as  best  he  could.  He  pos- 
sessed a  true  Christian  character,  and  the  children 
needed  more  of  this  than  they  seemed  to  possess  at 
that  time.  Next  came  Rev.  J.  S.  Flipper,  who  set 
about  to  please  the  children;  he  then  worked  to  help 
them  pay  their  honest  debts ;  he  was  of  the  opinion  of 
St.  Paul,  owe  no  man  anything;  he  also  taught  the  mem- 
bers punctuality.  Who  of  you  can  remember  the  time 
when  the  last  bell  was  ringing  for  the  children  to  gather 
to  listen  to  his  counsel,  that  you  did  not  see  him,  as  reg- 
ular as  a  clock,  walk  up  these  aisles,  take  the  book  and 
begin  as  soon  as  the  last  sound  of  the  bell  died  away  ? 
He  spent  some  time  with  us,  then  was  called  to  take 
charge  of  another  part  of  this  family.  I  have  said  that 
Rev.  W.  J.  Gaines  seemed  to  be  possessed  with  the 
power  of  seeing  ahead  that  which  is  for  the  best.  He 
had  become  Bishop  at  this  time,  and  when  Rev.  J.  S. 
Flipper  left,  this  great  head  of  the  family  sent  the  heroic 
builder  to  us,  Rev.  L.  Thomas.  His  work  is  so  great,  and 
he  has  pleased  the  children  so  well  in  building  a  fine  two- 
story  residence  on  the  corner  of  an  avenue,  for  them  to 
live  in,  that  they  scarcely  know  how  to  behave  them- 
selves. Of  course  there  is  much  more  to  be  done  to  this 
house  before  it  is  completed,  but  that  is  easily  done  com- 
pared with  what  has  been  done.  This  good  man  of  the 
house  tried  with  all  of  his  might  to  impress  upon  the  chil- 
dren the  importance  of  holding  up  virtue  and  morality. 
He  will  long  be  remembered.  He  has  gone  to  take 
charge  of  other  children.  The  head  of  this  family  now 
is  Dr.  R.  M.  Cheeks.  He  comes  willing  to  help  the 
children  in  paying  their  debts  and  encourage  them  all  he 
can.  He  has  aroused  the  "  nursery"  since  his  coming, 
and  such  joy  and  merriment  we've  not  heard  from  this 
part  of  the  house  in  some  time.  The  little  folks  are  up 


224  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

early  and  dressed,  ready  to  hear  his  kind  words.  We 
wish  him  much  success. 

Thus  ends  the  line  up  to  1894. 

The  following  are  the  Bishops  who  have  cared  for  us 
since  our  organization : 

Bishops  D.  A.  Payne,  A.  W.  Wayman,  J.  M.  Browne, 
T.  M.  D.  Ward,  J.  P.  Campbell,  I.  W.  F.  Dickerson,  J. 
A.  Shorter,  W.  J.  Gaines,  A.  L.  Grant. 

Nine  in  all.  Six  are  with  the  Church  Triumphant. 
Three  are  left,  who  still  carry  on  the  work. 

The  Presiding  Elders  who  have  helped  to  counsel  the 
members  of  this  part  of  the  family  are  : 

Revs.  H.  M.  Turner,  Andrew  Brown,  S.  B.  Jones,  A. 
W.  Lowe,  D.  T.  Green,  W.  J.  Gaines,  S.  H.  Robertson, 
R.  A.  Hall,  D.  T.  Green  (second  time). 

Eight  of  these.  Two  of  this  number,  Rev.  H.  M. 
Turner  and  Rev.  W.  J.  Gaines,  have  since  become  Bishops 
in  the  church.  The  former  has  dared  to  cross  the  ocean 
and  find  his  brother  in  foreign  lands.  His  name  will  ever 
live  as  the  great  missionary  of  this  family.  Three  others 
have  finished  their  work  on  earth;  they  live  with  that 
part  of  the  family  that  have  crossed  the  river. 

To  bishops,  elders  and  pastors: 

"  Ne'er  think  the  victory  won, 

Nor  once  at  ease  sit  down, 
Thy  arduous  work  will  not  be  done 

Till  thou  hast  got  the  crown." 


GRAY  STREET  SCHOOL. 

THE  FIFTH  WARD  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL. 

Gray  Street  School  building  was  erected  in  the  spring 
and  summer  of  1890.  The  building  is  a  substantial  brick 
edifice,  with  stone  basement  of  rubble,  random  range. 
It  is  trimmed  with  rock-faced  granite  and  terra  cotta 


REV.   E.   J.   FISHER. 


BIG   BETHEL    CHURCH. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  225 

Romanesque  designs.  It  is  finished  throughout  with 
Georgia  pine,  hard  oil  finish;  has  large,  commodious 
rooms,  airy  halls,  Venetian  blinds,  and  is  fitted  out  with 
Smead's  system  of  heating,  and  furnished  with  first-class 
desks  for  pupils  and  teachers,  with  all  the  latest  educa- 
tional aids  in  the  way  of  maps,  globes,  numeral  frames, 
charts,  etc. 
The  cost  of  the  lot  was  $2,500  ;  the  cost  of  the  house, 


It  is  said  to  be  the  best  arranged  building  for  grammar 
school  purposes  in  the  city,  as  well  as  being  the  best 
workmanship.  It  was  planned  by  the  well  known  firm 
of  Bruce  &  Morgan,  architects. 

When  the  school  opened  there  were  four  hundred  and 
fifty  pupils  present.  A..  L.  Gaines  was  principal,  with 
Misses  Helen  Coles,  F.  M.  Beale,  M.  A.  Hill,  C.  T.John- 
son, Mrs.  E.  P.  Wilson,  Misses  E.  D.  Coles,  C.  E.  Pul- 
len  and  H.  Jenkins  as  teachers.  This  was  a  strong  corps 
of  teachers,  and  soon  made  their  school  felt  in  the  city. 

By  resignation,  later,  of  some  of  the  teachers,  Misses 
E.  L.  Holmes,  A.  E.  McNeil,  M.  M.  Sloan,  S.  H.  Porter, 
L.  J.  Maddox,  R.  M.  Bass,  E.  M.  Adkison  received 
places  in  the  school. 

Mr.  Gaines,  after  a  successful  stay  as  principal,  re- 
signed in  1892,  to  assume  the  pastoral  charge  of  Bute 
Street  A.  M.  E.  Church,  Norfolk,  Virginia,  one  of  the 
largest  and  best  appointed  churches  in  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia. 

E.  L.  Chew  was  elected  as  principal  to  succeed  Mr. 
Gaines.  Mr.  Chew  has  kept  the  school  up  to  the  high 
standard  reached  and  held  by  Mr.  Gaines. 

The  present  corps  of  teachers  are  E.  L.  Chew,  R.  C. 
Deveaux,  C.  E.  Pullen,  E.  L.Holmes,  E.  P.  Wilson,  L.  J. 
Maddox,  E.  M.  Adkison,  L.  C.  Davis,  M.  A.  Ross. 

15 


226  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Most  of  the  former  teachers  of  Gray  have,  by  some 
peculiar  coincidence,  left  the  school  as  brides.  In  factr 
there  are  several  happy  homes  in  which  are  one  or  the 
other  of  its  heads  learned  and  practiced  the  power  of 
control  in  Gray. 

The  percentage  of  attendance  has  been  on  the  increase 
since  the  first  vear. 

•/  « 

The  scholarship  and  discipline  have  had  an  even,  uni- 
form and  encouraging  development  since  the  founding  of 
the  school. 

A  close  scrutiny  of  this  school  and  its  corps  of  trained 
teachers,  its  building,  with  its  elegant  modern  appoint- 
ments, will  convince  even  the  most  unbelieving  that  the 
white  Board  of  Education  cares  and  works  for  the  edu- 
cation of  the  Negro  child. 

To  the   thinker  this  institution  is   pregnant   of    much 
good  feeling,  and  promises  much  good  for  the  future  of 
our  ward  and  city. 

Then,  too,  it  is  a  tangible  evidence  of  that  spirit  of 
equity  and  broad  philanthropy  which,  in  its  last  analysis,, 
concedes  to  the  Negro  the  discharge  of  those  duties  and 
responsibilities  for  which  he  is  fitted,  and  guarantees  to 
him  the  environment  most  calculated  to  develop  in  him 
the  highest  powers  of  a  man. 

The  school  is  young,  but  already  her  sons  and  daugh- 
ters are  taking  leading  rank  in  the  school  sand  colleges 
of  our  city. 

This  fact,  coupled  with  the  intense  love  of  her  principals 
and  teachers  for  her  good  under  the  fostering  care  of  the 
Board  of  Education,  will  in  time  develop  Gray  Street 
School  into  one  of  the  most  important  feeders  to  the  va- 
rious colleges  of  Atlanta. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  227 

G.  M.  HO  WELL, 

A  FIEST-CLASS  MERCHANT  TAILOK. 

The  gentleman  of  whom  we  speak  in  this  narrative  is 
one  of  the  brightest  young  men  in  business  of  the  race. 
He  comes  into  prominence,  as  a  root  out  of  dry  ground. 
His  appliance  to  the  tailoring  business  is  almost  a  mys- 
tery to  himself, and  intuitive  to  the  natural  order  of  things. 

He  began  this  pursuit  very  peculiar  to  the  regular  way 
in  which  boys  come  into  possession  of  trades.  It  was 
like  this  :  One  day  while  his  mother  was  away,  Mr. 
McHenry,  who,  at  that  time  in  Mr.  Howell's  early  days, 
was  acting  as  a  machine  agent,  came  to  Mr.  Howell's 
house  to  sell  a  machine.  His  mother  being  absent,  Mc- 
Henry saw  by  talking  to  young  Mr.  Howell  that  if  he 
could  get  him  interested  in  the  machine,  he  might  count 
on  the  machine  being  sold.  This  Mr.  McHenry  was 
very  successful  in  doing.  Mr.  Howell  was  so  delighted 
with  what  he  had  learned  about  the  machine  that  he  was 
now  determined  to  do  all  he  could  to  induce  his  mother 
to  purchase  the  machine.  Accordingly,  on  her  return 
the  young  man  succeeded  in  his  attempt,  and  the  machine 
was  purchased.  Previous  to  buying  the  machine,  the 
young  Mr.  Howell  had  been  engaged  in  peddling  in  mint, 
rags  and  bones,  and  such  things;  but  when  the  machine 
was  purchased,  he  began  trying  to  learn  to  sew,  and  in  a 
very  short  time  he  accomplished  his  much  craved  desire. 
He  now  understood  more  about  the  machine  than  any  one 
on  the  place.  This  led  him  to  feel  that  he  could  use  this 
knowledge  to  a  little  advantage  to  himself  and  all  con- 
cerned; so  he  purchased  some  cloth  and  made  aprons  for 
the  hotel  boys  and  the  bar  tenders. 

Succeeding  in  this  very  well,  he  went  on  a  step  farther 
in  the  business,  and  began  making  ladies'  [dresses  and 


228  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

underwear  of  all  kinds,  classes  and  sorts.  Becoming  very 
efficient  in  this,  he  began  to  apply  himself  more  directly 
to  tailoring. 

How  this  came  about  was  that  one  Captain  Cook,  who 
was  running  a  tailoring  business  in  the  city,  employed 
young  Mr.  Howell  to  carry  his  dinner  to  him.  While 
the  young  man  was  waiting  for  Mr.  Cook  to  finish  din- 
ner, he  would  employ  these  moments  in  trying  to  cut  and 
sew.  Captain  Cook  saw  his  aptness  on  this  line;  he 
gave  him  the  benefit  of  all  he  knew  about  sewing  while 
he  was  employed  as  a  dinner  carrier.  It  was  with  this 
man  that  he  got  the  idea  of  sewing,  cutting,  measuring, 
and  to  some  extent  making  men's  clothes.  He  learned 
how  to  press  and  clean  clothing  from  Mr.  John  Williams, 
who  was  then  working  for  the  Watson  dye  house.  In 
1883,  while  attending  the  Atlanta  University,  he  opened 
his  first  tailoring  shop  in  the  engine  room  at  the  Atlanta 
University.  Here  he  cleaned  and  pressed  the  clothing 
of  the  students.  Out  of  this  little  business  he  earned  suf- 
ficient money  to  defray  all  his  school  expenses.  The 
reader  of  this  sketch  will  learn  a  lesson  of  perseverance, 
energy,  thrift  and  industry  and  what  boys  may  do  if  they 
would  use  what  knowledge  they  have  of  doing  any  one 
thing.  They  will  learn  also  that  it  is  not  the  man  or  the 
boy  that  knows  the  most,  nor  that  is  often  times  sur- 
rounded with  every  advantage  in  life  to  fit  him  for 
the  successful  carrying  out  of  any  pursuit  or  profession 
which  he  may  desire  to  follow  in  life,  but  the  man  or  boy 
that  uses  the  knowledge  and  opportunities  of  fitting  for 
the  profession  which  he  wishes  to  follow.  After  leaving 
Mr.  Cook,  he  went  to  work  with  Rev.  William  Finch,  of 
this  city,  earning  one  dollar  per  day  for  his  labor.  We 
can  see  how  that  from  the  little  knowledge  he  picked  up 
here  and  there,  he  is  able  to  make  somewhat  an  inde- 
pendent living  for  himself,  and  also  to  aid  a  struggling 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  229 

mother  and  father.  In  18 —  he  gave  up  working  for  Mr. 
Finch  to  attend  the  exposition  at  New  Orleans  for  the 
purpose  of  enlarging  his  knowledge  in  his  line  of  business 
while  in  that  city,  this  trip  giving  him  an  opportunity  to 
look  in  upon  other  business  of  his  kind,  and  to  see  how  men 
more  skillful  in  his  line  of  work  manipulated  and  carried 
it  on.  Gathering  the  experience  he  desired,  he  returned 
to  the  city  of  Atlanta,  opened  in  a  shoe  shop  with  his 
brother — his  brother  using  one  corner  to  make  shoes  and 
he  using  the  other  part  to  carry  on  his  work.  His  busi- 
ness succeeded  in  such  a  marvelous  way,  Mr.  Howell 
was  obliged  to  seek  a  larger  place,  where  he  might  bet- 
ter accommodate  his  customers.  Accordingly,  he  moved 
to  one  of  the  most  desirable  places  in  the  city.  Here  his 
business  grew  so  rapidly  on  account  of  his  skill  and  cheap- 
ness in  making  the  finest  gentleman  wear,  that  where  it 
was  his  custom  to  employ  two  or  three  hands,  he  was 
obliged  to  employ  from  sixteen  to  twenty  men  and  women, 
including  drummers  in  the  city  and  agents  on  the  railroads. 
His  whole  stock,  previous  to  coming  to  this  place,  never 
exceeded  at  any  one  time  more  than  seven  dollars.  His 
stock  at  this  place  increased  from  four  thousand  dollars 
to  fifty-five  hundred.  This  flourishing  business  went  on 
until  his  pay-roll  ran  up  from  ten  dollars  per  week  to 
three  hundred  and  fifty,  until  he  met  with  a  disastrous 
destruction  by  fire,  and  although  this  fire  completely  de- 
stroyed everything  he  had,  did  not  discourage  his  busi- 
ness ambition.  However,  he  had  some  little  insurance 
which,  after  a  little  trouble  and  a  process  of  law,  he  suc- 
ceeded in  gaining,  which  enabled  him  to  again  carry  on 
his  business,  but  of  course  not  on  as  large  a  scale  as  it 
was  at  first. 

According  to  Bradstreet's  report,  Mr.  Howell  carried 
on  the  largest  merchant  tailoring  business  of  any  man  of 
his  race  this  side  of  Mason  and  Dixon's  line  up  to  the 


230  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

time  the  fire  took  place.  His  business  now  is  valued  at 
frem  twelve  hundred  to  two  thousand  dollars. 

In  1890  he  married  a  very  refined  and  accomplished 
young  lady  of  the  city  of  Augusta,  Miss  Sophie  Summer- 
ville.  In  1866  this  young  man,  of  whom  this  noble  and 
inspiring  record  speaks,  came  into  this  world,  poor  and 
penniless,  and  by  his  natural  genius,  push  and  shove,  to- 
gether with  indomitable  will,  made  himself  eminently 
great  in  the  industrial  world. 

Let  those  who  read  this  sketch  catch  his  spirit  and  go 
forward.  His  work  is  done  neatly  and  of  the  latest  styles, 
and  at  prices  that  suit  every  man's  pocket. 


A  PREACHER,  A  DYER, 

A  MERCHANT  IN  OLD  CASTAWAY  CLOTHING-A  CLEANER 
AND  REPAIRER  OF  CLOTHING. 

Robert  B.  Brightwell,  a  merchant  hustler  in  old  cloth- 
ing in  this  city,  is  one  of  the  most  thoroughgoing,  enter- 
prising, stirring  men  of  the  city.  The  business  that  he 
carries  on  in  this  city  is  one  of  untold  service  and  advan- 
tage to  the  public.  At  his  place  of  business  old  clothes 
can  be  made  new,  the  soiled  made  clean,  at  a  little  cost. 
His  industry  and  thrift  has  made  him  popular  and  very 
influential  among  the  people  of  this  great  city.  He  was 
born  at  Maxie,  Ga.,  on  the  i5th  day  of  June,  1864,  and 
came  to  Atlanta  in  1876  and  engaged  in  the  grocery 
business,  which  he  followed  till  1884,  when  he  opened  the 
business  above  named,  of  dyeing  and  cleaning  and  re- 
pairing old  clothing,  which  business  he  carries  on  up  to 
the  present  time.  His  path  in  his  business  has  not 
always  been  smooth,  as  the  success  which  he  has  had  in 
carrying  on  this  business  would  seem  to  show.  He  has 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  231 

had  some  very  serious  drawbacks  since  his  engagement 
in  this  business.  Once  disturbed  by  the  falling  in  of  the 
Norcross  building  on  the  corner  of  Marietta  and  Peach- 
tree  streets,  by  which  destruction  of  the  building  all 
his  ready  and  unmade  stock  and  other  work  in  repairing, 
dyeing  and  cleaning  of  his  customers,  were  seriously  in- 
jured by  the  breaking  of  the  water  pipes,  which  flooded 
his  whole  business,  and  from  which  he  suffered  great 
loss.  In  the  month  of  August,  of  the  same  year  of  this 
first  destruction,  1894,  he  met  with  a  simliar  misfortune, 
the  loss  in  which  amounted  to  about  eight  hundred  dol- 
lars, by  fire  which  broke  out  in  the  Gould  building,  which 
caysed  his  second  misfortune  in  the  same  way.  In  the 
same  year  he  met  with  another  disaster  in  business,  which 
was  caused  by  the  invasion  of  an  army  of  cock-roaches, 
which  destroyed  a  great  lot  of  his  goods.  And  yet  with 
all  these  disadvantages  and  cripplings  which  have  come 
to  him  in  his  efforts  to  develop  and  establish  this  line  of 
business,  he  has  not  abated  in  the  least  in  his  efforts,  en- 
ergy and  courage  to  still  go  on. 

In  my  opinion,  if  there  is  any  definition  of  persever- 
ance and  energy,  Mr.  Brightwell  is  that. 

The  young  men  of  to-day,  and  of  generations  to  come, 
who  may  read  this  sketch,  will  do  well  to  take  Mr. 
Brightwell  as  an  example  in  establishing  a  business  and 
sticking  to  it  under  whatever  disadvantages  or  adversi- 
ties they  may  meet  in  carrying  it  to  a  success.  Mr. 
Brightwell,  aside  from  carrying  on  this  business,  has 
availed  himself  of  the  opportunity  of  obtaining  a  knowl- 
edge of  books  by  attending  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary. 
For  several  years  he  has  carried  on  a  course  in  theology 
in  order  that  he  might  be  better  able  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel. He  has  taken  other  studies  along  with  this  course 
of  normal,  which  have  helped  him  much  in  conducting 
his  business  to  a  great  financial  success. 


232  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

He  is  not  a  young  man  who  has  in  his  possession  much 
of  this  world's  goods,  but  presuming  from  the  energy, 
push  and  shove,  and  qualities  of  the  like,  will  become  a 
great  benefactor  in  finance  to  his  people  and  charitable 
good  of  his  race. 


GATE  CITY  COLORED  PUBLIC  SCHOOL. 

The  above-named  school,  more  popularly  known  as 
the  "  Houston  Street  School,"  is  situated  on  the  corner 
of  Houston  and  Butler  streets.  This  school  was  first 
taught  in  the  basement  of  Big  Bethel  A.  M.  E.  church, 
in  1879  or  1880.  When  the  colored  citizens  of  the 
Fourth  ward  asked  the  city  authorities  for  a  public  school 
for  the  colored  children  of  that  ward,  the  authorities  said 
they  had  no  suitable  building,  and  could  not  give  the 
school  on  that  account  until  grounds  were  secured  and  a 
building  erected.  The  officers  and  members  of  Big 
Bethel,  who  were  then  allowing  a  private  school  to  be 
taught  in  the  basement  of  that  church,  offered  the  base- 
ment to  the  city  to  be  used  as  a  public  school.  By  this 
means  all  excuses  for  delay  were  obviated. 

During  the  year  1880  the  city  bought  a  lot  and  erect- 
ed the  building  now  situated  on  the  corner  of  Houston 
and  Butler  streets,  to  be  used  by  the  colored  people  in 
that  section  of  town  as  a  public  school  building.  The 
building  is  large  and  spacious,  containing  eight  large 
rooms,  neatly  furnished,  four  up  stairs  and  four  rooms 
down  stairs.  It  also  has  a  large  hallway,  which  makes  the 
building  very  convenient  for  a  school-house. 

The  seating  capacity  of  the  school  is  four  hundred  and 
fifty,  which  afforded,  at  the  time  of  erection,  ample  ac- 
commodation for  all  who  applied  for  seats.  The  com- 
munity surrounding  the  school  has  increased  so  rapidly 


G.    M.   HOWELL. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  233 

since  its  erection  that  from  one  to  two  hundred  children 
are  turned  away  every  year  for  the  want  of  room.  This 
being  a  public  school,  it  is  directly  under  the  manage- 
ment of  the  city  government.  All  supplies  for  run- 
ning the  school  are  furnished  by  the  city,  the  teachers  are 
appointed  by  the  city  through  the  Board  of  Education. 

Professor  R.  H.  Carter,  a  graduate  of  the  Atlanta  Uni- 
versity, and  a  teacher  of  some  experience,  was  elected 
by  the  Board  of  Education  to  the  principalship  of  this 
school  in  1880.  Professor  Carter  had  as  his  assistants 
some  of  the  best  educators  in  the  State  among  the  Negro 
race.  Notably  among  them  were  Mrs.  M.  A.  Ford, 
Mrs.  Julia  Turner,  Miss  G.  B.  Mitchell,  Miss  I.  M.  Clarke, 
and  other  very  faithful  workers,  whose  names  do  net 
now  present  themselves.  Professor  Carter  proved  him- 
self to  be  an  efficient  principal,  giving  very  general  sat- 
isfaction to  the  Board  of  Education  and  to  his  patrons. 
He  served  them  four  years,  after  which  he  resigned  to 
take  a  position  which  paid  better. 

In  1885  Mr.  A.  Graves  was  elected  principal  of  the 
school,  and  held  that  responsible  position  for  two  years.. 
He  proved  himself  to  be  an  able  man,  a  good  disciplina- 
rian, and  an  excellent  teacher.  He  managed  the  school 
successfully,  building  it  up  as  a  useful  factor  for  good  in 
the  community.  As  a  man  he  strove  to  impress  the  law 
of  obedince  upon  his  pupils.  If  he  understood  the  law 
to  be  just,  he  would  see  to  its  being  carried  out  to  the 
letter;  but  if  he  thought  it  wrong,  or  unjust,  he  wuld  not 
obey,  neither  would  he  make  his  children  obey.  The 
firmness  of  Professor  Graves  is  illustrated  by  the  follow- 
ing  true  story  which  occurred  during  his  administration: 
While  he  was  principal  of  the  school,  the  remains  of  the 
late  Jefferson  Davis  were  removed  from  Mississippi  to 
Richmond,  Virginia,  by  way  of  Atlanta.  The  white  citi- 
zens of  Atlanta  celebrated  the  occasion  with  #  great  dem- 


234  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

onstration.  In  the  line  of  march  all  the  public  schools 
were  commanded  to  join,  led  by  the  principals.  Mr. 
Graves  thought  that  it  was  wrong  to  honor  a  man  who 
had  fought  and  died,  as  it  were,  to  keep  the  teachers 
and  pupils  represented  in  the  school  in  which  he  was 
teaching  in  slavery.  He  told  the  teachers  and  pupils  the 
situation,  and  said  to  them  that  if  they  wanted  they  might 
go,  but  he  would  not. 

The  school  made  progress  under  the  direction  of  Prof. 
Graves,  who  was  assisted  by  an  able  corps  of  teachers. 

During  the  summer  of  1886  Professor  L.  M.  Hershaw 
was  elected  principal  of  the  Gate  City  Public  school  to 
succeed  Mr.  Graves,  who  had  resigned.  When  he  took 
charge  of  the  school  he  tound  it  in  a  progressive  condi- 
tion, having  moved  on  so  successfully  since  its  beginning 
that  it  ranked  as  one  of  the  leading  grammar  schools  of 
the  city. 

Mr.  Hershaw  was  principal  of  the  school  for  four  years, 
during  which  time  the  scholarship  of  the  school  was 
greatly  promoted.  The  pupils  from  this  school  com- 
pared very  favorably  with  the  pupils  of  any  school 
in  the  city  in  the  entrance  examinations  to  the  prepara- 
tory course  in  the  colleges  and  seminaries.  He  was  a 
successful  teacher  and  principal,  having  managed  the 
school  to  the  satsifaction  of  the  Board  of  Education  and 
the  patrons. 

In  1890  Professor  Hershaw  accepted  a  clerkship  in 
the  department  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  Mr.  W.  B. 
Matthews  was  elected  principal  of  the  Gate  City  school. 
He  found  the  school  in  a  flourishing  condition.  Many  of 
the  teachers  whom  he  found  there  had  been  with  the 
school  from  its  foundation.  They  were  well  experienced 
and  knew  the  rules  of  the  school  and  rendered  great  as- 
sistance to  the  new  principal  during  his  first  week  about 
the  school.  * 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  235 

Since  1890  the  school  has  been  growing  in  popularity. 
Many  of  the  best  citizens  of  the  city  have  been  attracted 
to  the  school  under  the  management  of  Prof.  Matthews. 

The  order  of  the  school  has  improved  very  greatly,  and 
the  high  scholarship  reached  under  Professor  Hershaw 
has  been  retained  and  improved. 

During  the  last  four  years  there  has  been  less  trouble 
between  the  parents  and  teachers  than  formerly.  This 
school  has  competed  with  older  and  more  favored  schools 
located  in  the  same  community,  thereby  proving  the  solid 
work  done  by  its  teachers.  Through  the  enengy  and 
push  of  the  present  principal,  the  teachers  and  pupils 
have  learned  to  regard  their  duty  as  a  sacred  trust.  That 
the  school  is  doing  good  in  the  community  we  do  not 
think  anybody  has  any  doubts.  That  the  money  spent  by 
the  city  government  in  support  of  this  school  is  as  seed 
sown  in  good  soil,  is  very  obvious.  Let  those  who  doubt 
come  and  see. 

Many  of  the  pupils  who  have  gone  through  this  gram- 
mar school  have  graduated  from  the  colleges  in  our  city 
and  elsewhere,  and  are  now  very  proficient  teachers  in- 
the  public  schools  of  our  city  and  State.  Many  of  the 
young  men  are  in  business,  holding  government  positions 
and  filling  other  honorable  callings  in  life. 

The  present  corps  of  teachers  who  are  doing  good 
work  in  this  school,  are :  W.  B.  Matthews,  principal;  Mrs 
Julia  Turner,  assistant  principal;  Miss  A.  D.  Badger, 
seventh  grade;  Miss  S.  B.  Pullen,  sixth  grade;  Miss 
Aurora  V.  Peters,  fifth  grade;  Miss  M.  P.  Westmoreland, 
fourth  grade;  Miss  L.  E.  Badger,  third  grade;  Miss  1.  B. 
Pollard,  second  grade;  Miss  C.  R.  McGhee,  first  grade. 

The  patrons  of  the  Gate  City  Colored  Public  School 
are  proud  of  the  work  the  school  is  doing  for  the  elevation 
of  the  race.  The  school  is  under  the  immediate  control  of 
the  city  Board  of  Education,  and  that  Board; extends  the 


236  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

same  advantages  to  all  of  the  schools  in  every  respect 
save  one — they  do  not  pay  white  and  colored  teachers 
the  same  salary.  This  one  fact  makes  a  wide  difference 
between  the  white  and  colored  schools  of  Atlanta.  The 
teachers  of  the  colored  schools  see  the  unfairness  in  the 
manner  of  paying  teachers  here,  but  would  not  feel  it  so 
keenly  if  more  accommodations  were  given  to  the  colored 
citizens  for  the  education  of  their  children. 

It  is  not  a  good  idea  to  criticise  anybody  unjustly  ;  it  is 
very  poor  policy  to  find  fault  with  our  friends,  especially 
when  they  claim  that  they  are  doing  the  best  they  can 
for  us;  but  it  is  never  right  to  accept  discrimination  with 
sealed  lips  and  silent  pens. 

The  Negro  citizens  of  Atlanta  are  thankful  for  what 
schools  they  have,  but  feel  that  they  need  more,  and  trust 
that  the  city,  through  its  Board  of  Education,  may  soon 
provide  more  room  for  them. 


MRS.  OBEDIA  CECILS  BROWN  CARTER. 

BY  MRS.  M.  A.  McCURDY. 

It  is  indeed  interesting  and  amusing  to  watch  with 
care  an  artist  while  he  tries  to  transfer  to  his  canvas 
the  luster  of  a  precious  stone.  After  he  has  used  his  ut- 
most skill,  his  picture  proves  to  be  dull,  and  in  many  in- 
stances valueless.  The  same  can  be  said  concerning  the 
writing  of  a  biographical  sketch  of  a  grand  and  Christ- 
like  woman,  full  of  reason,  love  and  godliness,  that  makes 
a  whole  crown  of  precious  jewels;  and  all  that  one  can 
do  in  the  attempt,  is  to  present  a  valueless  opaque  copy 
of  her  in  the  sketch. 

The  happy  and  beautiful  name  which  heads  this  article 
belongs  to  one  who  was  born  May  10,  1858,  in  Athens, 
Ga.,  the  "  classic  city  of  the  South,"  yet  with  all  its 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  237 

beauty  and  happiness,  it  fails  to  give  us  an  idea  of  the  re- 
markable energy  and  brave  persistency  of  character  of 
which  Mrs.  Obedia  Cecile  Brown  Carter  is  the  possessor. 
She  is  the  daughter  of  Mr.  John  Wesley  and  Harriet 
Brown  (deceased),  of  Athens,  Ga.,  and  granddaugh- 
ter of  the  venerable  Rev.  Robert  Brown,  of  Athens,  Ga. 
Mrs.  O.  C.  B.  Carter  was  married  at  the  age  of  eighteen, 
in  the  year,  A.  D.  1876,  to  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter,  now  the 
pastor  of  Friendship  Baptist  Church,  of  Atlanta,  Ga.  At 
the  time  of  her  marriage,  she  knew  not  Christ  as  her  Re- 
deemer, but  after  being  elected  President  of  the  West 
Atlanta  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union  in  1888,  she 
sought  earnestly  to  know  the  Lord  as  her  Redeemer,  and 
was  converted  several  days  previous  to  the  time  she  was  to 
preside  over  that  Christian  body  of  women.  She  there- 
after held  the  position  of  President  for  more  than  two 
years,  much  to  the  delight  of  her  many  admiring  friends, 
and  is  now  Vice-President  of  the  same  local  union,  as 
well  as  Superintendent  of  Prison  and  Jail  work,  assist- 
ant Superintendent  of  Evangelistic  work,  and  has  been 
Treasurer  of  the  State  Woman's  Christian  Temperance 
Union  (subject  to  re-election)  'ever  since  1892.  Her 
value  in  this  Christian  work  cannot  be  estimated,  as  she 
is  and  has  ever  been  an  untiring  laborer,  ever  doing  and 
saying  such  things  as  will  eventually  assist  in  the  dethron- 
ing of  the  demon  rum.  She  received  her  education  at 
Knox's  Institute  in  the  city  of  Athens ;  said  education  has 
caused  her  to  fill  with  honor  and  accuracy  the  many  po- 
sitions she  now  occupies,  and  when  she  is  called  from 
"  labor  to  reward  "  it  will  be  a  difficult  matter  to  find  one 
to  take  her  place.  As  a  local  missionary  sent  out  by  the 
church  of  which  her  husband  is  pastor,  she  is  one  of 
those  Godly  women  who  never  tires  in  doing  work  for 
the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  Christ,  going  into  the 
highways  and  hedges  on  errands  of  mercy,  ever  adminis- 


238  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

tering  to  the  sick,  poor  and  needy.  Just  such  things  that 
give  life  and  strength  to  the  soul  and  food  and  raiment 
for  the  body,  and  thus  making  for  herself  a  reputation  as 
a  modern  Dorcas,  worthy  of  commendation  and  emula- 
tion. As  a  member  of  her  husband's  church,  she  is 
greatly  beloved,  especially  by  the  juvenile  members  of 
the  church,  as  it  is  with  them  she  labors  most  assidu- 
ously, ever  remembering  that  the  future  of  our  race  de- 
pends very  largely  upon  what  the  boys  and  girls  of 
to-day  will  prove  to  be  in  the  to-morrows  of  the  future, 
when  men  and  women  will  be  wanted  to  fill  the  place  of 
those  who  are  to-day  making  "foot-prints  in  the  sands  of 
time,"  that  cannot  be  erased  and  are  "  in  the  broad  field 
of  battle,"  proving  themselves  to  be  heroes  and  heroines, 
like  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  in  this  strife.  She  is  also 
the  President  of  the  "Woman's  Fireside  School "  and 
"  Bible  Band  "  of  Friendship  Baptist  Church.  The  ob- 
ject of  this  band,  which  she  is  carrying  out  in  a  most 
beautiful  manner,  is  to  cause,  if  possible,  the  reading  of 
the  Bible  in  the  homes  of  the  members,  at  least  once  a  day, 
and  bring  about  the  much  needed  practice  of  praying  in 
the  homes  of  many  mothers,  whose  children  know  not 
what  it  is  to  hear  their  parents  pray.  Last,  but  not  least, 
one  of  the  most  loveable  and  praiseworthy  traits  of  this 
grand  woman,  is  her  devotion  to  her  husband  and  children. 
As  a  wife  and  a  mother,  she  is  a  model,  one  ever  worthy 
of  commendation.  When  either  one  of  the  members  of  her 
family  are  in  pain  or  sorrow,  she  it  is  who  ever  adminis- 
ters to  their  wants  and  necessities,  with  untiring  care,  dur- 
ing the  wee  small  hours  of  the  lonely  night,  and  the  heated 
or  cold  hours  of  the  day.  Her  trust,  love  and  respect  for 
her  husband  is  all  that  any  one  could  wish,  as  she 
"  Never  doubts  his  fidelity, 
Never  thinks  his  heart  untrue, 
But,  trusts  him  fully,  trusts  him  freely, 
Even  as  he  has  trusted  her." 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  230 

MITCHELL  ST.  PUBLIC  SCHOOL. 

ALICE  D.  GARY,  PRINCIPAL. 

Early  in  the  month  of  July,  i8&2,  not  far  from  the  cor- 
ner of  Maple  and  Mitchell  streets,  the  sound  of  nail  and 
hammer  was  heard,  which  attracted  the  attention  of  the 
passersby  and  neighbors  as  well. 

It  was  not  very  long  ere  it  was  generally  known  that 
there  was  to  be  erected  on  that  spot  a  building  to  be  used 
exclusively  for  the  colored  youth. 

For  two  months  the  erection  of  this  building  was- 
watched  with  much  interest  and  anxiety  by  many,  and 
when  the  appointed  day  for  opening  came,  the  first  noon 
in  September,  1882,  the  house  was  packed  with  children 
eager  to  get  a  seat  in  this  new  building. 

Many  parents  came  with  their  little  ones,  and  each  in- 
sisted that  their  children  should  be  favored  with  a  seat. 

The  parents'  friends  and  children  listened  to  an  encour- 
aging and  pointed  speech  from  the  superintendent,  Maj. 
W.  F.  Slaton,  after  which  the  work  of  seating  and  grad- 
ing was  done  by  the  corps  of  teachers  then  employed  for 
that  year,  viz. :  Prof.  H.  L.  Walker,  Misses  C.  E.  Jones, 
Helen  Coles,  E.  M.  Towrfsley,  I.  M.  Clarke,  L.  Easley,, 
Julia  M.  Tooke  and  E.  M.  Thomas. 

It  was  not  many  days  before  the  school  was  in  good 
working  order  and  continued  throughout  the  year,  and 
at  its  close  the  teachers  expressed  themselves  satisfied 
with  the  year's  work,  and  showed  an  annual  report  of 
493  pupils. 

Mitchell  Street  School  has  been  in  session  twelve  years, 
has  had  eight  principals,  viz. :  Prof.  H.  L.  Walker,  Rev.  E- 
P.Johnson,  Profs.  E.  A.  Johnson,  C.  W.  Hill,  T.  A.  John- 
son, P.  A.  Allen,  Rev.  F.  G.  Snelson  and  Mrs.  Alice  D, 


240  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Gary;  .with  twenty-four  assistant  teachers;  of  this  twenty- 
four  two  have  crossed  the  river  of  death,  Mrs.  Katie 
(Short)  Wright  and  Mrs.  Ella  M.  (Townsley)  Pitts; 
twelve  of  them  have  crossed  the  river  of  mantrim'ony 
and  living  in  comfortable  homes  of  their  own;  the  re- 
maining nine  are  still  teachers. 

You  will  observe  that  during  these  twelve  years  there 
have  been  almost  a  principal  for  each  year.  No  school 
in  the  public  schools  of  Atlanta  has  had  so  many;  yet 
she  has,  despite  the  many  changes  and  obstacles,  braved 
the  tide,  and  to-day  we  find  her  firm  and  sailing  smoothly 
over  them,  and  promises  a  still  brighter  future.  Last 
year's  enrollment  was  450;  per  cent,  of  attendance,  96.8. 

It  is  with  much  delight  I  recognize  the  fact  that  four 
of  the  teachers  now  teaching  in  the  public  schools  were 
pupils  of  Mitchell  Street  School,  and  finished  from  that 
school  with  credit.  Two  of  them,  Misses  A.  Boswell 
and  W.  E.  Keller,  are  now  employed  as  teachers  in  the 
same  building  they  were  seated  as  pupils  in  1882;  of  the 
other  two,  Misses  R.  Keiths,  is  teaching  at  Summer 
Hill  school;  Miss  H.  Studivant  at  Roach;  and  she  hopes 
ere  many  more  years  have  passed  to  have  as  many  or 
more  of  her  pupils  employed  as  teachers  in  some  one  of 
the  public  schools.  * 

I  do  not  feel  that  a  sketch  of  Mitchell  Street  School 
would  be  complete  without  the  mentioning  of  our  faithful 
janitor,  Mr.  Pat.  Heard.  He  was  with  the  school  in  its 
infancv,  and  performed  his  duties  with  faithfulness  and 
credit,  until  sickness  laid  hands  on  him  and  bade  him 
cease  work  and  be  nursed  by  its  grim  hands,  but  ere  it 
had  long  held  him,  death  relieved  him  and  bade  him  go 
where  there  would  be  no  more  pain  or  death. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  241 

BETHLEHEM  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

REV.  EDWARD  SMITH,  PASTOR. 

This  little  church  is  one  of  the  most  enterprising 
churches  in  the  city.  The  people  who  compose  it  are  a 
people  of  most  untiring  zeal  ever  gathered  in  any  one 
place  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  house  for  God.  They 
are  in  spirit  and  activity  a  perfect  bee-hive — so  earnestly 
are  they  about  their  Master's  work. 

There  are  a  number  of  churches  that  have  larger  mem- 
berships and  larger  houses,  and  more  embelished  with 
the  beauties  of  artistical  paintings,  in  which  to  worship, 
but  none  more  ardent  and  zealous  for  the  advancement 
of  the  Master's  kingdom  than  this  grand  little  band  of 
disciples. 

They  pride  themselves  in  doing  whatever  the  pastor, 
Rev.  Edward  Smith,  assign  to  their  hands  to  do.  He 
only  has  to  speak  and  it  is  done;  to'  command,  and  his 
people  go  forward  to  carry  out  his  orders. 

At  this  point  we  will  give  a  few  names  of  some  of  the 
most  faithful,  active  and  eminent  members  ©f  this 
church : 

G.  W.  Person,  Benjamin  Pierson,  Armus  Weaver,' 
Wm.  Armps,  Dora  Norwood,  Emma  Fletcher,  Lucy 
Brown,  Sarah  Beatle,  Mary  Arnold,  Ida  Thomas,  Martha 
Weaver,  Eliza  Suttles,  Nancy  Dura,  Josh  Mathews,  Julia 
Washington,  and  a  host  of  others  that  this  limited  space 
would  not  allow  us  to  name. 

This  church  was  organized  March,  1879.  The  council 
was  composed  of  Revs.  G.  W.  Gwin,  D.D.,  Jerry  M. 
Jones,  and  Rev.  Dorsey,  with  twenty-five  members. 

Since  the  day  of  its  organization  it  has  passed  through 
many  vicissitudes,  but  the  Lord  has  heard  their  prayers 

16 


242  .THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

and  they  have  accomplished  great  good  since  the  day  of 
their  organization. 

The  church  now  has  a  beautiful  set  of  working  young 
men  and  women,  who  are  always  active  in  entertain- 
ments and  mission  bands,  and  thus  aiding  and  keeping 
alive  the  church.  They  have  had  in  a  very  short  dura- 
tion, eight  pastors. 

In  1889  the  church  extended  a  call  to  the  present  pas- 
tor, Rev.  Edward  Smith,  and  all  that  we  have  spoken  of 
this  church  in  the  way  of  activity  and  work,  is  due  en- 
tirely to  the  untiring  zeal  and  energy  of  this  noble  man. 
Its  membership  has  grown  greatly  under  his  care.  At 
the  time  he  accepted  the  call  there  were  only  about  fifty 
in  number;  from  that  time  up  to  the  present,  the  church 
has  increased  on  an  average  of  seventy-five  a  year — the 
membership  now  being  five  hundred.  On  account  of 
this  rapid  increase,  this  good  people  have  been  obliged  to 
enlarge  their  house  of  worship.  The  value  of  the  prop- 
erty has  also  increased  under  his  ministry  from  five  hun- 
dred to  three  thousand  nine  hundred  dollars. 

Rev.  Smith  is  a  bright,  intelligent  and  able  preacher — 
clear-headed,  kind-hearted  and  generous.  No  man  de- 
serves more  credit  from  this  people  than  Rev.  Edward 
Smith.  He  has  done  more  in  that  part  of  the  city  for  the 
Baptist  cause  and  the  kingdom  of  our  Master  than  any 
other  man  could  possibly  have  done. 

They  have  given  cheerfully  to  the  mission  and  educa- 
tional work  whenever  it  was  their  duty  to  do  so. 

Be  it  said  of  this  noble,  generous-hearted  preacher  of 
the  gospel,  that  he  has  done  well. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  243 

FIRST  COLORED  BAPTIST  CHURCH  OF 
ATLANTA, 

KNOWN  AS  THE   FRIENDSHIP  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

There  is  no  church  in  the  city  that  is  more  worthy  of 
the  highest  honor,  praise  and  recognition  among  all  the 
Baptist  churches  that  are  in  the  city,  from  the  point  of 
view  that  she  has  done  more  to  inspire  and  to  provoke 
the  other  churches  to  good  works  and  to  set  up  a  stand- 
ard of  model  preaching  and  worship.  She  has  done 
more  by  the  way  of  rendering  her  building  to  the  edu- 
cational service  to  the  Negroes  of  Georgia  than  any 
other  church  in  the  city  or  State. 

This  church  was  organized  by  Rev.  Frank  Quarles, 
in  1868,  and  consisted  at  that  time  of  twenty-five  mem- 
bers. 

In  1 88 1,  at  the  close  of  the  eventful  pastor ate^>f  Rev. 
Frank  Quarles,  it  numbered  about  fifteen  hundred.  It 
had  its  beginning  in  a  car-box,  in  the  northeast  part  of. 
the  city,  on  Walton  street,  and  after  several  changes  as 
to  location  and  house,  a  lot  was  finally  bought  on  the 
corner  of  Haynes  and  Mitchell  streets,  where,  under  the 
leadership  of  Rev.  Frank  Quarles,  a  very  large  and 
commodious  house  of  worship,  46  x  100  feet,  was 
erected.  But  when  the  first  pastor,  Rev.  Frank  Quarles, 
died,  a  large  debt  of  $3,000,  created  in  the  erection  of 
the  house,  was  still  unprovided  for.  But  when  Rev. 
E.  R.  Carter  took  charge  of  the  congregation  the  debt 
was  soon  paid,  and  interior  improvements,  costing  about 
$2,500,  were  made  to  the  church  and  paid  promptly- 
making  the  property  now  worth  $60,000. 

Since  the  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter  accepted  the  pastorate 
of  Friendship  Baptist  Church  the  growth- in  membership, 
strength  and  influence  has  been  so  marked  that  now  this 


244  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

is  considered  the  second  strongest,  numerically  and  finan- 
cially, of  any  colored  Baptist  church  of  organization  in 
the  State. 

To-day  his  membership  numbers  2,500  souls,  and  is 
increasing  at  the  rate  of  nearly  one  hundred  baptisms 
annually,  besides  those  received  by  letter  and  other 
methods  of  Baptist  usage. 

The  damp  basement  story  of  this  church  was  the 
birthplace  of  Spelman  Seminary,  which  is  now  one  of 
the  largest  and  most  reputable  schools  on  the  continent. 

The  organization,  growth  and  usefulness  of  this 
church  have  been  remarkable,  evidencing  most  conclu- 
sively the  fact  that  God's  guiding  hand  has  directed  its 
course  and  blessed  its  labor. 

While  its  first  pastor  was  a  devout  Christian  and  de- 
voted his  life  and  energies  to  the  interest  of  this  church, 
God  again  displayed  the  hand  of  a  wise  Providence 
when  R^v.  E.  R.  Carter,  although  an  obscure  young 
man,  was  called  to  fill  the  pulpit,  so  ably  occupied  by  the 
former  pastor. 

The  present  pastor,  E.  R.  Carter,  is  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  men  (regardless  of  color)  of  the  present 
century.  His  native  ability,  present  intellectual  attain- 
ments, coupled  with  the  great  work  he  has  accomplished 
and  the  traveling  he  has  done,  makes  him  as  a  prodigy 
in  the  estimation  of  those  familiar  with  all  the  facts  con- 
nected with  his  brief  but  eventful  life  of  usefulness. 

This  church,  under  the  wise  leadership  of  Rev.  Carter, 
has  given  largely  to  educational  and  missionary  work, 
and  secured  and  now  maintains  a  home,  where  its  old 
and  decrepit  members  can  be  and  are  cared  for  by  the 
gifts  and  appropriations  made  by  a  society  known  as  the 
"  Ninety-and-Nine." 

R.ev.  Carter  was  born  in  Athens,  Ga.,  and  while  there 
is  no  record  as  to  the  exact  date  of  his  birth,  it  is 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  245 

thought  that  he  is  now  about  thirty-five  years  old.  His 
was  an  uneventful  life  up  to  1879,  except  tne  honest 
fight  he  made  in  ignorance  and  poverty,  always  hoping 
and  longing  for  an  opportunity  and  striving  for  means 
to  educate  himself. 

He  was  married  in  early  life,  and  an  afflicted  wife  for 
five  long  years  added  to  the  obstacles  in  the  way  to  ed- 
ucation. But  she  was  a  true,  patient  woman,  and  when 
her  health  was  restored,  greatly  aided  him  in  his  efforts 
to  attain  the  great  desired  boon,  an  education. 

In  1879  he  entered  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Theological 
Seminary,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  after 
years  of  privation  and  battling  with  poverty.  He  actu- 
ally did  the  washing  for  himself  and  family,  and  worked 
some  each  day  in  a  shoe-shop,  in  order  to  make  his  way 
through  college.  His  first  call  to  the  charge  of  a  church 
was  at  Stone  Mountain,  at  $8.00  per  month,  $32.00  of 
which  is  still  unpaid  and  due  him. 

During  his  year  of  ministry  at  Stone  Mountain  twenty- 
five  souls  were  converted,  and  from  this  number  some 
promising  preachers,  missionaries  and  brag  scholars  .of 
Spelman  Seminary,  have  developed. 

In  addition  to  the  great  work  he  has  done  as  a  min- 
ister of  the  gospel  and  advocate  of  prohibition,  he  has 
found  time  to  write  a  book,  entitled  "Our  Pulpit," 
which  was  published  in  1890.  He  has  recently  written 
a  book  entitled  "  Descriptive  Scenes  of  Europe  and  the 
Orient,"  which  is  now  ready  for  publication. 

Rev.  Carter  has  traveled  very  extensively,  both  in  the 
Old  and  New  World.  He  made  his  first  trip  to  Europe 
in  1888.  The  object  of  this  journey  through  the  old 
country  was  to  extend  his  information  and  render  prac- 
tical the  extensive  reading  he  has  done. 

The  object  of  his  second  trip,  in  1891,  across  the 
great  waters  was  to  familiarize  himself  with  the  historic 


246  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

scenes  recited  in  Biblical  history,  to  better  prepare  him- 
self for  his  life-work — that  of  teaching  his  race  the  way 
of  eternal  life.  While  making  these  trips  in  the  orient 
he  traveled  in  Egypt,  Asia,  Syria,  Italy,  France,  Ger- 
many, Switzerland,  Belgium,  Ireland,  England  and  Asia 
Minor,  thus  having  traveled  extensively  throughout  the 
Old  as  well  as  the  New  World,  because  he  has  visited 
and  labored  in  nearly  every  State  in  the  Union  and  in 
Canada.  We  doubt  that  such  a  record  has  ever  been 
made  by  any  man  living  or  dead,  white  or  black,  on  this 
continent,  in  so  brief  a  time. 

Nine  years  ago  he  could  not  write,  but  now  he  is  a  Greek, 
French,  Hebrew  and  English  scholar,  and  has  some  prac- 
tical knowledge  of  the  Latin  and  German  languages. 

In  addition  to  all  the  work  and  travel  mentioned 
above,  he  edited  the  colored  Baptist  paper  of  the  State, 
served  as  Grand  Worthy  Chief  Templar  of  the  State, 
Vice-President  of  the  Georgia  State  Baptist  Sunday- 
school  Convention,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Centen- 
nial Committee  of  the  colored  Baptists  of  the  State  of 
Georgia. 

He  made  himself  a  hero  in  two  prohibition  campaigns, 
and  has  lectured  in  many  prominent  cities,  on  various 
occasions  and  subjects. 

Be  it  said  to  his  credit,  that  all  this  has  been  accom- 
plished in  the  last  nine  brief  years.  He  is  an  orator 
and  theological  student  and  scholar,  linguist  and  author, 
and  a  born  leader  of  his  race. 


WHEAT  STREET  BAPTIST    CHURCH. 

The  Wheat  Street  Baptist  Church  is  one  of  the  most 
elegant  and  neatly  arranged  that  is  in  the  city.  It  has  a 
seating  capacity  of  about  one  thousand .  Its  floor  is  that 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  247 

of  an  incline  plane,  slanting  from  the  door  to  the  pulpit. 
It  has  a  splendid  swinging  or  self-supporting  gallery  that 
is  most  charmingly  situated  in  the  front  entrance,  a  stair- 
way going  from  the  vestibule  which  leads  into  it.  The 
windows  are  of  beautiful  cathedral  glass  of  variegated 
colors,  costing  in  the  neighborhood  of  eight  or  nine  hun- 
dred dollars.  Its  walls  are  covered  with  the  most  exquisite 
and  rarest  kind  of  wall  paper  for  church  services.  Its  pulpit 
is  the  model  style  and  is  situated  in  the  rear  end  of  the 
house  with  just  above  a  nicely  and  very  beautifully  ar- 
ranged apartment,  something  like  a  small  gallery,  where 
the  choir  sit.  Up  in  this  apartment  is  a  splendid  pipe 
organ  whose  appearance  and  beauty  add  much  to  the  em- 
belished  character  of  the  house. 

The  choir  ranks  as  equal  to  any  in  the  city,  and  is 
composed  of  the  best  class  of  people. 

The  church  is  beautifully  lighted  with  the  latest  style 
chandelier  gas  lamps.  Its  baptistary  is  conveniently 
arranged  underneath  the  pulpit.  It  is  very  agreeably 
heated  by  a  furnace  having  five  registers,  one  in  the  front 
of  rostus  and  two  on  each  side.  It  has  a  basement  which 
they  use  for  society  meetings,  church  conferences  and 
other  secular  meetings. 

This  church  was  organized  on  the  South  end  of  Fort 
street,  in  1870,  by  Rev.  Andrew  Jackson  and  a  few  of 
Atlanta's  most  prominent  citizens,  who  were  at  that  time 
members  of  the  Friendship  Baptist  church,  the  number 
being  only  six.  The  much  esteemed  Peter  Eskridge  was 
one  among  the  number.  Rev.  Andrew  Jackson  served 
this  church  about  four  years,  and  then  resigned  and  went 
to  Mississippi.  The  church  was  then  without  a  pastor, 
and  the  services  of  Rev.  Henry  Brewster  were  employed 
until  they  could  secure  another  pastor.  During  this  time, 
by  some  means  not  known  to  the  writer,  this  church  be- 
came acquainted  with  Rev.  W.  H.  Tilman  and  extended 


248  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

him  a  call.  The  membership  at  this  time  was  about  two 
hundred.  The  house  of  worship,  by  the  power  and  in- 
fluence which  this  venerable  minister  of  the  gospel  had 
over  the  people  who  came  to  hear  him,  was  crowded, 
and  the  house  which  they  were  then  using  was  too  small 
for  the  people  who  gathered.  The  pastor  and  deacons 
began  to  look  about  for  a  place  more  suitable  on  which 
to  erect  a  house  that  would  give  larger  accommodation. 
In  1880  the  site  on  which  the  present  house  of  worship 
now  stands,  was  purchased. 

Deacon  Thomas  Goosby  and  Deacon  S.  Foster  were 
the  two  men  who  raised  the  first  amount  to  purchase  the 
present  house  of  worship. 

Shortly  after  the  purchase  of  this  place,  by  these  two 
noble  brethren,  the  erection  of  a  far  more  commodious 
building  was  seen  going  up. 

The  lot  was  valued  at  two  hundred  and  forty  dollars, 
fronting  about  seventy  feet  on  Wheat  street  (now  Au- 
burn Avenue)  running  back  about  two  hundred  on  Fort 
street.  On  this  piece  of  ground  is  the  above  described 
house.  This  piece  of  property  is  now  worth  from  thirty 
five  hundred  to  forty  hundred,  all  of  which  has  been 
paid  for. 

It  numbers  among  its  members  some  of  the  wealthiest 
colored  citizens  of  Atlanta,  and  also  those  of  the  highest 
character  and  eminence  of  the  citizens  of  Atlanta.  Among 
them  are  Thomas  Goosby,  Peter  Eskridge,  S.  Foster, 
Willis  Murphy,  Joseph  Johnson,  W.  T.  Robinson,  Lu- 
cius Laster,  Shadrack  Laster,  Crawford  Austin,  Thomas 
Gray,  Columbia  King,  Mrs.  George  Foster,  Mrs.  Mary 
Goosby- Crumbley,  Mrs.  Emma  Williams,  Mrs.  Effie 
Brandon,  Henry  Dupree,  Mrs.  Adline  Dupree,  Mrs. 
Georgia  McGhee,  Crawford  McGhee,  Elbert  Roberts, 
Mrs.  Mary  Smith,  Martha  Hayes,  Hattie  Eskridge,  Mrs. 
Caroline  Badger,  Mrs.  Mary  Gipson,  Mr.  J.  S.  Brandon. 


WHEAT   STREET    BAPTIST   CHURCH. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  249 

This  list  of  names  embraces  some  of  the  noblest  citi- 
zens, in  character,  wealth  and  honor,  in  the  city  of  At- 
lanta. Any  church  would  be  honored  for  having  such 
a  corps  of  citizens  for  its  members. 

The  name  was  originally  Mt.  Pleasant  which  was  then 
in  a  common  wooden  building  and  when  moved  to  Wheat 
street  they  changed  its  name  to  Wheat  Street  Baptist 
Church,  taking  its  name  after  the  street,  but  since  the 
existence  of  this  beautiful  building  the  name  of  the 
street  has  been  changed  to  Auburn  Avenue,  so  that  the 
name  of  the  church  now  stands  as  the  Auburn  Avenue 
Baptist  Church.  So  well  has  this  church  succeeded  under 
'the  grand  leadership  of  its  noble  and  much  esteemed 
pastor,  it  has  grown  from  two  hundred  to  fourteen  hun- 
dred in  number. 

This  grand  and  noble  man  has  done  a  great  and  noble 
work.  Too  much  cannot  be  said  of  this  great  worker  in 
Israel.  He  makes  no  pretention  to  scholarship.  He  has 
been  moderator  of  the  Ebenezer  Baptist  Association 
for  eight  years.  He  served  as  vice-presidertt  for  some 
years  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Baptist  Convention  for  the 
State  of  Georgia. 

The  cost  of  this  building  erected  by  the  present  pastor, 
Rev.  W.H.Tilman,  is  twenty  thousand  dollars.  Within  the 
pale  of  this  church  there  are  a  number  of  live  societies  oper- 
ating for  the  good  of  tne  church  and  its  members.  Among 
them  are  the  Sisters  or  Love,  the  Rising  Star,  of  which 
Mrs.  Jennie  Eskridge  has  been  so  faithful  a  president. 
There  are  also  the  Aiding  Brothers  of  JLove,  the  Wo- 
man's Mission,  which  does  work  both  in  city  and  State, 
This  society  has  done  much  in  the  way  of  relieving  wid- 
ows and  the  poor  little  orphan  children.  Miss  Hattie 
Eskridge,  a  most  faithful  and  energetic  woman,  is  its 
president.  There  is  also  the  Sunday-school,  of  which 


250  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Mr.  J.  S.  Brandon  has  been  superintendent  for  the  last 
six  years. 

Much  of  the. success  of  this   good  and  great  church 
is  due  to  its  charitable  spirit  and  its  broad  hearted  pastor. 


PAPERS   READ 

AT  THE 

TWELFTH  ANNIVERSARY 

OF  THE 

AUTHOR'S   WORK  AS  PASTOR 

OF 

FRIENDSHIP  BAPTIST  CHURCH, 

ATLANTA,  GA. 


THE  CALL. 

» 

BY  MISS  U.  E.  CRAWFORD,  TEACHER  IN  FOURTH  WARD 

SCHOOL. 

When  the  throne  of  England  or  any  of  the  great 
powers  of  foreign  nations  have  been  deprived  of  their 
king  or  queen,  their  subjects  are  never  at  a  loss  to  know 
who  will  be  their  next  ruler,  as  these  offices  are  filled  ac- 
cording to  birth  or  hereditarily. 

When  the  head  of  the  American  nation  has  been  re- 
moved, either  by  death  or  expiration  of  term,  the  atten- 
tion of  every  true  American  citizen  is  turned  to  the  city 
of  executive  power  and  the  all  important  question  of 
the  day  then  is,  who  shall  take  his  place  ?  Who  shall 
stand  at  the  head  of  this  great  nation? 

The  same  question  may  be  asked  by  each  individual 
State  in  reference  to  her  Governor,  the  city  in  reference 
to  its  mayor. 

As  in  politics  so  it  is  with  institutions  of  learning  and 
religion.  For  at  the  head  of  all  these  there  must  be 
some  one  who  shall  feel  the  responsibility  of  all. 

During  the  declining  years  of  the  venerable  and  much 
beloved  Father  Quarles,  when  his  feeble  strength  would 
not  permit  him  to  fill  his  own  stand,  he  would  often  be 
seen  wending  his  way  to  the  plant  bed  of  the  Baptist  pul- 
pit, the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary,  and  draw  therefrom 
a  young  man  in  whom  he  had  implicit  confidence  as  a 
true  Christian  gentleman,  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter,  to  assist 
him  in  his  work.  And  while  this  young  man  was  ad- 
ministering the  gospel  to  his  congregation,  he  would  sit 
at  his  back  and  invoke  God's  blessing  upon  him. 

In  the  year  1881,  after  much  pressing  and  hesitation, 
he  consented  to  go  on  a  mission  to  the  North  for  the  pur- 


254  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

pose  of  procuring  funds  for  the  erection  of  the  now  fa- 
mous Spelman  Seminary.  He  left  Rev.  Carter  in  charge 
of  his  church  until  he  returned.  But  the  allwise  Father  of 
all  saw  fit  to  call  him  from  his-  well-harvested  field  of 
labor  while  away  on  his  mission.  And  though  the 
hearts  of  his  sons  and  daughters  were  grieved  at  the 
sudden  and  unexpected  death  of  their  beloved  father, 
friend  and  brother,  the  question  was  being  asked  by  each 
one  of  them,  who  shall  take  his  place?  What  man  among 
us  is  there  who  is  able  to  lead  this  people  who  have  been 
from  their  earliest  existence  under  the  leadership  of  so 
great  a  man  ?  In  their  grief  and  excitement  it  had  not  oc- 
curred to  them  the  possibility  of  the  man  who  was  serving 
his  apprenticeship,  as  assistant  and  supporter  of  their  de- 
ceased father,  was  by  divine  injunction,  under  a  course  of 
preparation,  the  result  of  which  would  be  his  calling  to 
the  pastorate  of  the  church  he  was  then  serving.  And 
finally,  after  a  brief  consideration,  he  was  unanimously 
elected  pastor  of  Friendship  Baptist  church. 

In  appearance  one  may  style  him  a  very  ordinary  look- 
ing man.  In  character  he  is  firm  in  his  convictions,  wide 
in  his  views,  generous  and  sympathetic  in  nature,  frank 
in  his  expressions,  dares  to  speak  his  opinions  and  acts 
and  moves  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  own  con- 
science. 

His  ability,  while  he  makes  no  attempt  at  display,  is 
well  founded.  He  is  a  thorough  scholar,  a  deep  thinker, 
eloquent  in  expression,  fluent  in  language,  clear  in  his 
conceptions  and  arrives  at  conclusions  from  a  logical 
standpoint. 

He  has  written  several  books,  among  them  the  u  Bap- 
tist Pulpit,"  "Scenes  Abroad  "  and  "  The  Black  Side  of 
Atlanta,"  each  of  which  is  a  masterpiece  of  thought  and 
ability. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  255 

Immediately  after  taking  charge  of  the  church,  he  was 
informed  of  the  enormous  debt  of  $1,500  which  over- 
shadowed the  church,  the  interest  being  one-third  of  the 
principal  and  if  not  paid  would  probably  dispossess  them 
of  their  home.  He  did  not  simply  show  them  their  sad 
plight,  but  immediately  began  to  devise  plans  and  ways 
by  which  the  indebtedness  «)f  the  church  could  be  met  ; 
and  by  his  skillful  management  the  debt  was  soon  can- 
celed, and  the  hearts  of  his  people  rejoiced  that  they 
could  once  more  worship  under  their  own  vine  and  fig 
tree. 

Hardly  had  this  object  been  accomplished  when  he 
inspired  them  to  remodel  and  beautify  the  home  for 
which  they  had  paid  so  dearly.  And  as  usual  they  took 
hold  with  a  will.  The  result  of  that  effort  can  be  seen 
in  the  beautiful  and  delicate  designs  which  adorn  these 
walls  ;  The  displacing  of  the  old  pews  for  the  present 
ones  not  only  gives  comfort  but  adds  beauty  and  capacity; 
the  removal  of  the  breakable  and  often  smoking  lamps, 
for  the  beautiful  and  illuminating  gas  lights  ;  the  large 
pipe  organ  which  peals  forth  its  sweet  strains  of  music 
and  often  causes  the  congregation  to  forget  church  etti- 
quette  in  looking  back  to  see  from  whence  the  sound 
came,  takes  the  place  of  a  much  inferior  one  ;  and  last, 
but  not  least,  the  many  souls  which  have  been  added  to 
the  cause  of  Christ  since  his  calling. 

The  work  accomplished  up  to  this  time  covers  the 
short  period  of  six  years,  in  which  time  the  church  has 
been  raised  to  a  higher  standard  financially,  intellectually 
and  religiously. 

In  1891,  to  show  their  gratitude  and  high  appreciation 
for  his  valuable  services  and  the  great  work  which  he 
had  accomplished  in  so  short  a  time,  his  congregation 
extended  him  an  invitation  of  a  tour  to  the  old  country, 
at  their  expense  ;  at  which  time  he  traveled  extensively 


256  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

through  the  old  world,  and  visited  many  points  of  interest 
and  institutions  of  learning,  where  he  gained  much  in- 
formation of  the  manners,  customs,  fashions  and  religions 
of  the  inhabitants  of  those  countries. 

That  his  mind  is  ever  active  and  that  the  interest  of 
his  people  is  always  at  heart  was  seen  when  he  showed 
them  the  importance  of  the  church  becoming  the  pos- 
sessor of  the  valuable  piece  of  property  which  adjoins 
them;  for  had  it  remained  in  the  hands  of  some  one  who 
perhaps  not  regarding  the  absolute  necessity  of  quietude 
in  or  near  the  house  of  worship,  possibly  may  have 
erected  a  beer  factory,  a  coffin  factory,  or  some  other 
establishment  which  might  have  been  detrimental  both  to 
the  comfort  and  value  of  the  church.  But  instead  of 
any  of  these  objectionable  features,  there  now  stands  the 
home  of  the  old  saints,  where  they  rest  from  their  labor 
and  the  church  supports  them. 

When  we  notice  the  active  and  ever  restless  spirit  of 
this  man,  to  move  onward  and  upward,  we  can  but  join 
the  poet  in  saying: 

"  Tell  me  not  in  mournful  numbers, 

Life  is  but  an  empty  dream, 
For  the  soul  is  dead  that  slumbers, 

And  things  are  not  what  they  seem." 

Coming  to  his  last  great  step  of  which  we  have  any 
knowledge,  of  lifting  up  fallen  humanity  and  furthering 
the  cause  of  Christ,  is  the  organization  of  the  Missionary 
Society  of  a  few  days  ago,  in  this  church,  and  at  the 
head  of  which  stands  one  of  our  noblest  and  most 
earnest  Christian  young  women,  Miss  Agnes  Boswell. 

An  attempt  to  explain  the  good  which  has  been  ac- 
complished by  this  band  of  Christian  workers,  would  be 
but  to  fail.  It  is  enough  to  say  that  many  a  hungry  soul 
has  been  fed,  the  naked  clothed,  and  the  word  of  God 
read  to  all. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  257 

Too  many  good  things  cannot  be  said  of  one  who  is 
worthy  of  having  a  great  many  good  things  said  of 
him.  But  I  would  not  have  you  understand  that  while 
Rev.  Carter  possesses  so  many  beautiful  traits  of  char- 
acter, eloquence  and  ability,  that  he  is  without  any  of 
the  shortcomings  which  generally  befall  mankind.  It 
may  be  true  that  his  demonstrations  upon  people  and 
things  of  this  life  may  have  been  based  upon  false  prem- 
ises, from  which  the  true  results  could  not  be  deduced, 
yet  be  it  said  to  his  honor  that  in  not  one  single  act  of  his 
life  was  he  ever  known  to  degrade,  to  drag  down  or  to 
crush  his  fellow-man;  but  rather  to  lift  up,  to  elevate, 
and  to  encourage  some  sad  heart. 

Like  Daniel  he  has  often  stood  almost  alone  in  protect- 
ing the  unprotected  woman.  When  the  beast  in  human 
form  woirid  seek  to  crush  out  her  life,  he  has  come  to  her 
rescue,  and  in  words  of  force  and  command  say  to  him: 
"  If  you  are  not  guilty,  if  you  can  establish  your  own 
innocence,  cast  the  first  stone."  And  in  nine  cases  out 
of  ten  the  casting  of  stones  have  been  few  and  far  be- 
tween. 

The  W.  A.  W.  C.  T.  U.  tender  you  their  congrat- 
ulation for  the  many  years  you  have  led  this  people  and 
the  valuable  service  given  them,  and  especially  for  the 
noble  stand  which  you  took  in  the  prohibition  campaign 
in  saving  our  sons  and  daughters  from  the  demon  alco- 
hol, and  for  God  and  home  and  native  land. 

May  these  twelve  brief  years  in  which  so  much  work 
has  been  crowded,  inspire  us  to  do  something  to  make 
the  world  better  for  having  lived  in  it.  And  though  we 
may  not  be  called  to  preach,  and  though  we  cannot  make 
a  speech,  we  can  tell  the  love  of  Jesus,  we  can  say  he 
died  for  all. 

17 


258  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

BY    KEY.    J.    B.    DAVIS,    PASTOR  OF    CENTRAL    AFRICAN 
BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

SIR — I  greatly  appreciate  the  compliment  which  I  am 
this  day  enjoying  in  having  the  pleasure  of  meeting  with 
you  on  this  occasion.  High,  however,  as  is  the  honor,  I 
cannot  for  one  moment  lose  sight  of  the  fact  that,  in  ac- 
cepting your  invitation  to  speak  at  this  hour,  I  am  like- 
wise assuming  a  responsibility  which  I  shall  seek  to  dis- 
charge with  all  fairness  and  earnestness,  trusting  that  the 
time  will  come,  if  not  now,  in  your  own  life  when  you 
shall  see  that  the  words  which  I  am  about  to  speak  have 
been  verified  by  your  own  experience.  And  the  topic 
which  I  wish  to  speak  about  is  "  Natural  Ability  as  a 
Preacher." 

Rev.  E.  R.  Carter,  like  the  Apostle  Paul*  the  great 
preacher,  avails  himself  of  every  opportunity  to  illustrate 
the  truth  which  he  seeks  to  impress  upon  the  minds  of 
those  to  whom  he  preaches  or  lectures.  The  Apostle 
found  material  which  served  to  illustrate  the  great  truth 
of  the  Bible  in  the  Greek  games,  in  the  military  service, 
and  even  the  anatomy  of  the  human  body  furnished  him 
with  abundant  opportunity  to  explain  his  thoughts.  He 
never  hesitates  for  a  moment  to  employ  .them,  casting 
aside  all  idea  of  criticism  and  scorning  all  thought  of 
censure. 

If  he  wished  to  speak  of  the  Christian  warfare  he 
dressed  his  thought  in  the  form  and  garb  of  the  Roman 
soldier,  helmeted  and  attired  in  full  armor,  with  weap- 
ons at  hand  and  shield  for  defense.  So  with  Rev.  E.  R. 
Carter,  an  educated  gentleman,  an  eminent  minister  of 
the  gospel,  a  devoted  pastor  and  a  profound,  practical 
thinker. 

From  his  youth  he  has  been  a  close  observer  of  every- 
thing around  him,  and  his  audiences  have,  in  his  lectures 
and  sermons  delivered  from  this  rostrum  from  time  to 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  259 

time,  the  result  of  accumulated  years  of  observation  from 
many  standpoints  of  life — on  the  farm,  in  the  school- 
room, in  business  circles,  from  the  pulpit,  and  in  the1 
rounds  of  pastoral  visitations — extensive  knowledge  of 
the  Holy  Land.  His  keen  perceptives  have  caught  and 
made  a  moral  diagnosis  of  every  idiosyncrasy  and  pecul- 
iarity of  character  passing  before  him,  and  with  his 
wonderful  ability  and  scalpel  of  caricaturing  art,  he  has 
dissected  them  before  the  world. 

If  any  one  should  enjoy  the  distinction  of  being  origi- 
nal in  the  pulpit,  it  ought  to  be  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter,  D.D. 
His  sermons  are  full  of  practical  every-day  life,  and 
with  that  God-given  endowment  he  moulds  from  the 
habits  and  customs  of  men  a  moral  and  a  religious  truth. 
His  manner  in  the  pulpit  is  unique,  and  attractive  to  the 
listener,  whether  young  or  old. 

The  genius  for  natural  speaking  or  preaching  is  inborn 
and  ineradicable  with  some  persons.  It  is  God-given  and, 
like  every  other  natural  endowment,  it  is  bestowed  for  a 
good  purpose.  And  accompanying  his  natural  ability  is 
wit,  of  which  one  has  truly  said  :  "Wit  is  the  ally  of* 
truth." 

Bishop  H.  M.  Turner,  introducing  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter 
to  some  gentlemen,  said  :  "  Sir,  he  is  as  sarcastical  as  the 
devil  and  as  complimentary  as  an  angel."  Many  of  the 
greatest  preachers  possess  wit  and  humor  in  a  high  de- 
gree. The  sparkling  and  caustic  wit  of  Robert  South 
has  brought  down  his  sermons  from  the  seventeenth  cen- 
tury to  this  day.  He  was  the  master  of  polished  sar- 
casm, impaling  an  absurdity  on  the  point  of  an  antithesis 
with  a  skill  never  surpassed.  Spurgeon's  wit  is  no  small 
element  of  the  popularity  which  makes  him  the  first 
preacher  of  his  generation.  Beecher's  wit  was  irrepress- 
ible and  brilliant,  and  did  much  toward  making  the  Ply- 


260  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

mouth  pulpit  in  Brooklyn  so  irresistibly  attractive  to 
crowded  and  cultured  audiences  for  so  many  decades. 

The  same  quality  is  found  in  Carter,  in  connection  with 
his  astonishing  powers  as  a  word  painter  and  theological 
preacher.  It  was  the  natural  ability  and  wit  of  Carter's 
that  has  so  indescribably  shaken  one  side  of  these  United 
States  during  the  recent  prohibition  campaign.  One  of 
the  daily  papers  published  in  Indianapolis,  October  3, 
1889,  speaking  of  the  ability  of  ^ev-  Carter,  said:  "Rev. 
E.  R.  Carter,  who  preached  on  a  recent  Lord's  day  at 
the  North  church,  is  pastor  of  a  colored  Baptist  church 
in  Atlanta,  numbering  twenty-five  hundred  members.  He 
was  at  the  time  in  attendance  here  upon  the  national 
meeting  of  our  colored  Baptists." 

He  is  a  preacher  of  ability  and  a  graduate  of  our  Home 
Mission  Seminary  at  Atlanta.  He  is  clear-headed,  manly, 
of  bright  intellect,  and  has  had  the  advantage  of  traveling 
very  extensively  in  Europe. 

During  the  late  prohibition  campaign  in  this  State, 
Rev.  Carter  received  an  invitation  to  come  forthwith  to 
Monroe,  Ga.,  to  deliver  a  prohibition  speech.  After 
many  of  Georgia's  eminent  sons  had  spoken,  he  was 
called  upon,  and,  after  a  brilliant  ray  of  words  in  illustra- 
tion of  the  suffering  and  misery  derived  from  the  use  of 
accursed  traffic  in  liquor,  the  infernal  fire-water,  that 
burns  and  scorches  out  all  that  is  noble  and  grand  in 
humanity.  After  he  had  concluded  his  speech,  the  gen- 
tleman who  had  invited  him  there  to  speak,  rose  up 
and  said,  that  "  there  never  was  such  a  speech  made  in 
this  court  house  since  Monroe  has  been  a  Monroe ." 

Dr.  Geo.  A.  Lofton,  of  Alabama,  in  referring  to  the 
defeat  sustained  by  the  Prohibition  party  in  the  last  Pro- 
hibition campaign,  held  in  this  magnificent  city,  said  : 
"  What  more  could  have  been  done  to  save  the  city  than 
was  done.  There  is  Hawthorne,  Grady,  Hillyer  and 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  261 

Carter,  Atlanta's  true  sons,  have  done  their  duty."  I  see 
a  sketch  of  his  life  written  by  Dr.  J.  W.  Lee,  of  this  city, 
in  which  he  said:  "Rev.  E.  R.  Carter  commands  the 
highest  respect  and  admiration,  not  only  of  his  own 
church  and  denomination,  but  of  all  churches  and  all 
classes  of  our  people."  He  is  original  and  unique.  His 
wit  and  humor  are  of  the  freshest  and  most  irresistible 
kind.  His  way  of  putting  this  is  peculiarly  striking  and 
entertaining.  Perhaps  he  has  most  prominently  come 
before  the  people  outside  of  his  own  denomination  in  con- 
nection with  his  work  for  the  cause  of  Prohibition. 
When  his  natural  ability  became  so  conspicuous  in  1885, 
during  the  first  great  uprising  on  the  subject  of  Prohibi- 
tion, in  which  he  so  valliantly  fought,  he  was  invited  to 
Richmond,  Va.,  Mississippi,  South  Carolina,  Alabama 
and  Indiana.  His  speech  in  Richmond,  Va.,  excited  a 
great  deal  of  attention.  Bishop  Turner  said  that  while 
it  was  being  delivered,  he  thought  he  caught  sight  of  the 
very  pit  as  Carter  uncovered  the  meanness  of  the  whisky 
traffic. 

So  Dr.  Lee  says  there  was  something  however,  about 
the  man  that  went  deeper  than  his  speeches.  It  was  his 
life  and  bearing.  He  was  threatened,  he  was  persecuted  ; 
the  pressure  brought  to  bear  upon  him  to  weaken  his 
purpose,  was  heavy.  This  only  seemed  to  furnish 
strength  to  his  zeal  and  determination.  Perhaps  it  will 
be  universally  conceded  that  if  an  election  was  taken  in 
this  city  as  to  who  was  the  greatest  hero  in  the  prohibi- 
tion campaign  of  1887,  E.  R.  Carter  would  receive  almost 
the  unanimous  vote.  No  man  among  us  met  more? 
overcame  more  than  he  did.  Hon.  Pringle,  the  repre- 
sentative of  the  Georgia  Legislature,  has  these  words  in 
the  Augusta  Chronicle  : 

"Among  the  gentlemen  who  spoke  here  to-day  I  would 
be  guilty  of  gross  injustice  were^I  to  rate  Rev.  E.  R. 


262  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

Carter,  pastor  of  Friendship  Baptist  church,  second  to 
any.  At  times  he  dived  down  into  the  purest  African 
dialect  and  showed  ability  without  education;  ere  he  had 
done  this,  he  soared  to  the  loftiest  heights  of  purest  elo- 
quence and  diction.  Few  men  have  the  power  as  this  man" 

Rising  from  the  mechanic's  bench,  and  as  much  as  St. 
Paul  the  master  of  a  trade,  he  respected  labor  and  laborers 
first  salutes  him  with  honors.  He  speaks  to  them  and 
for  them,  and  they  are  proud  of  him.  If  he  exaltes  their 
destiny,  he  does  not  refrain  from  exposing  their  faults 
If  they  are  intemperate,  he  denounces  not  them,  but  in- 
temperance. If  they  are  idlesome  he  set  them  an  exam- 
ple of  unflagging  industry.  If  they  are  illiterate,  he 
shows  how  some  knowledge  had  been  gained  by  the 
evening  blaze  of  tallow  candles  and  by  the  light  which 
breaks  through  the  crevices  of  the  early  morning. 

In  his  sermons  he  never  has  been  betrayed  into  any 
ambitious  use  of  language,  and  seldom  decorated  any- 
thing with  borrowed  scraps.  Pilate  and  Herod  struck 
hands,  but  the  brave  heart  of  Carter,  strong  from  con- 
tinous  struggle,  flinches  in  no  wise  from  the  task  self-im- 
posed and  self-sustained. 

God  grant  that  you  might  live  to  see  the  dead  carcass 
of  the  great  wrong  of  intemperance  buried  forever  out  of 
the  sight  of  man,  and  the  once  blackened  besom  of  the 
great  Christiandom,  pure  again  from  that  ancient  sin. 
May  you  live  to  do  more  in  this  spiritual  struggle,  amel- 
iorating the  condition  of  humanity,  both  temporally,  in- 
terlectually  and  morally. 

Sin,  the  enemy  of  equity,  justice  and  right,  is  as  the 
colossal  forces  that  shook  our  broad  land,  and  made  its 
earth-fast  foundation  tremble  with  the  steps  of  uncounted 
hosts. 

Sir,  this  world  needs  men  like  yourself  who  can  get  the 
great  truths  out  of  th'e  Bible,  and  give  it  in  child-like 
simplicity  to  a  dying  world 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  263 


AS  I  HAVE  SEEN  HIM. 

BY  PKOF?  W.  E.  HOLMES,  A.M. 

Rev.  Edward  R.  Carter  was  called  to  the  pastorate 
of  Friendship  Baptist  church  April  n,  1882,  where  he 
has  served  with  acceptance  these  twelve  years. 

FINANCIAL     WORK. 

On  coming  into  the  work  he  was  greatly  surprised  to 
learn  that  a  debt  of  two  thousand  dollars  rested  upon 
the  building,  this  amount  having  been  borrowed  from 
the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society  of  New 
York  City  to  aid  in  erecting  this  place  of  worship. 

Besides  this,  there  were  several  obligations  of  smaller 
sums  here  and  there  to  be  met  in  the  city. 

The  members  were  told  the  condition  of  affairs,  and 
they  went  to  work  cheerfully  and  promptly  to  lift  from 
their  shoulders  this  load  of  debt  which  had  been  in- 
curred in  providing  them  with  a  church  home  and  in  op- 
erating it  after  completion. 

Appeal  after  appeal  was  made  with  the  most  gratify- 
ing results.  Collection  after  collection  in  a  remarkably 
short  time'  liquidated  all  the  debts,  and  the  church  stood 
free  and  untrammeled  to  advance  the  cause  of  Christ. 

With  a  view  to  encouraging  the  people  and  to  con- 
gratulate them  upon  the  success  of  their  efforts,  a  large 
and  enthusiastic  meeting  was  held,  before  which  an  in- 
teresting programme  of  speech  and  song  was  carried 
out  to  the  delight  of  the  entire  audience. 

'The  building  was  decorated,  and  in  a  conspicuous 
place  was  displayed  the  legend,  "Free  From  Debt." 
Thus  discharged  of  all  its  obligations,  the  church  has 
since  been  prosperous  in  an  eminent  degree  in  every- 
thing it  has  undertaken. 


264  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

MATERIAL  PROGRESS. 

Having  an  eye  for  the  beautiful  as  well  as  the  useful, 
under  the  direction  of  the  pastor  the  building  has  been 
beautified  within  and  improved  without. 

To  enable  everybody  to  see  what  is  going  on  in  front, 
the  floor  has  been  elevated  at  the  doors  and  lowered  at 
the  rear;  the  pulpit  has  been  enlarged,  and  on  the  arch 
above  it,  in  prominent  characters,  is  the  statement  from 
Scripture :  a  He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be 
saved."  Beautiful  cathedral  windows  take  the  place  of 
the  plain,  unpretentious  sash,  and  frescoed  walls  give 
evidence  of  cultivated  taste,  while  from  afar  a  roof  of 
slate  glitters  in  the  summer  sun. 

Desiring  to  lengthen  her  cords  and  strengthen  her 
stakes,  the  church  has  undertaken,  on  property  of  her 
own,  representing  an  outlay  of  fifteen  hundred  dollars, 
to  provide  for  her  worthy,  indigent  poor.  And  now, 
while  we  speak,  a  number  there  are  beneficiaries  of  her 
charity. 

RELATIONS    BETWEEN    PASTOR    AND    PEOPLE. 

No  where  can  beneficial  results  be  reached  without 
hearty  co-operation,  concert  of  action  and  the  closest 
cordial  relations.  And  eminently  true  is  this  of  the  re- 
lations between  pastor  and  people.  In  Friendship  this 
has  been  repeatedly  illustrated. 

From  the  day  Mr.  Carter  was  elected  to  this  pastorate 
to  this  hour,  there  has  always  been  the  "  Faithful  Few  " 
to  confer  with  their  pastor  concerning  the  interests  of 
the  church,  to  unite  with  him  in  furthering  the  success 
of  Zion,  and  to  strengthen  his  hands  and  encourage  his 
heart  all  the  time  and  everywhere. 

Nor  have  they  been  slow  to  give  liberally  of  their 
means  to  enhance  his  happiness  and  promote  his  welfare. 

At  the  suggestion  of  one  of  his  sincerest  friends,  they 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  J65 

have  several  times  sent  him  North  to  spend  vacation, 
and  twice  they  have  sent  him  abroad  to  revel  in  the 
beauties  of  other  lands  and  to  gather  information  for  in- 
creased usefulness  at  home.  So  far  as  known,  they  took 
the  initiative  in  this  worthy,  generous  step. 

SPIRITUAL    RESULTS. 

So  much  for  material  results  and  general  success. 
But  the  noblest,  the  most  enduring,  and  by  far  the  most 
signal  success,  has  been  in  the  realm  of  grace. 

Anxious  to  add  to  the  excellent  work  already  begun 
and  so  ably  carried  forward,  the  new  pastor  began  at 
once  to  labor  for  souls  for  the  Master,  and  in  this  line  of 
endeavor  he  has  brought  much  to  pass.  Ninety  persons 
every  year — eleven  hundred  the  entire  time — have  come 
into  the  church  as  the  result  of  his  earnest  labors. 

And  what  more  shall  I  say?  The  crown  of  his  re- 
joicing is  bright,  shining  as  the  sun,  and  when  in  the 
presence  of  our  Redeemer,  where  are  joys  forever 
more,  he  shall  be  called  to  receive  it;  he  will  be  wel- 
comed with  the  salutation  :x  "Well  done,  thou  faitlrful 
servant;  enter  thou  into  th*e  joys  of  thy  Lord." 


HIS  ABILITY  AS  A  HERO    IN  THE  TEMPER- 
ANCE CAUSE. 

BY  LEWIS  COX. 

There  has  been  much  said  as  to  the  cause  of  temper- 
ance reigning  in  this  section  of  this  country.  There  have 
been  a  good  many  plans  on  foot  to  oust  intempefance  ; 
many  speeches  have  been  made  by  our  best  citizens,  who 
have  lost  many  a  sleepless  night  planning  and  arranging 
as  to  how  we  shall  take  advantage  of  this  monster. 


266  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

% 

Among  some  of  our  most  eloquent  was  the  Hon.  H.  W. 
Grady,  who  now  sleeps  beneath  the  clods  awaiting  the 
final  judgment,  when  the  Lord  shall  say  unto  those  who 
have  done  good  unto  the  resurrection,  "  Come  ye  blessed 
of  my  Father;"  Hon.  George  Hillyer,  the  Hammonds, 
Sam  Jones,  Sam  Small,  Dr.  Morrison,  Dr.  J.  B.  Hawthorne, 
Captain  Milledge,  Captain  Harry  Jackson,  Alex  Smith 
and  D.  L:  Moody. 

Thus  we  see  one  among  the  Anglo-Saxon  race  who 
maneuvered  the  campaign  fields  and  could  always 
locate  the  enemy,  was  Mr.  H.  W.  Grady,  who  seemed  to 
be  first  and  foremost  in  planning  for  his  people.  Many 
laurels  he  has  won  for  his  race,  and  yet  to  remember  him 
the  people  of  Atlanta  have  set  up  a  monument  in  a 
street  of  Atlanta  that  all  who  pass  by  that  way  may  be 
reminded  of  the  great  hero  who  once  lived  and  did  so 
much  for  the  elevating  of  his  race. 

And  last,  but  not  least  among  the  great  men  of  our 
race  who  did  what  they  could  in  promoting  the  cause 
was  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter,  Bishop  Gaines,  Bishop  Turner 
John  W.  Young,  who  now  sleeps  beneath  the  clods,  and 
Granderson,  Price,  the  great  negro  historian  who  by 
his  eloquence  won  for  himself  and  race  many  honors. 
Both  white  and  black  pronounce  him  an  orator,  but  the 
Lord  has  taken  this  great  man  away  through  his  provi- 
dence to  live  with  the  just  men  made  perfect. 

Among  the  many  speakers  among  our  people  there 
seems  to  be  one  distinguished  from  the  rest,  whose  mo- 
tive in  life  is  to  make  a  mark  that  unborn  generation  who 
shall  come  after  him  will  see  his  foot  prints  on  the  sands  of 
time,  and  will  know  from  reading  history  that  the  great 
temperance  hero  lived.  This  great  hero  is  in  the  person 
of  our  distinguished  pastor  and  orator,  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter, 
whose  aim  in  life  is  to  promote  his  race,  and  whose 
greatest  ambition  is  to  see  his  people  prosper  and  to  do 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  267 

f 

everything  in  his  power  to  elevate  them  to  a  higher  stand- 
ard in  life.  In  fact,  he  is  a  model  preacher,  who  has 
studied  extensively  and  knows  exactly  what  good  thing 
to  give  his  people.  As  a  maneuverer  in  the  gospel  min- 
istry he  has  no  equal.  A  man  for  this  day,  has  written 
extensively. 

First,  "  Our  Pulpit  Illustrated,"  a  book  worthy  to  be 
in  any  house;  second,  a  book  known  as  the  "  Black  Side 
of  Atlanta,"  that  is  now  in  the  press,  and  still  another 
called  "Descriptive  Scenes  of  Europe  and  the  Orient." 

Thus  you  see  the  time  he  has  spent  in  preparing  good 
literature  and  money  too  cannot  be  compared  with  the 
glory  that  shall  be  revealed  e'er  he's  gone. 

Let  us  as  young  and  old  ones  too  throw  our  arms 
around  such  a  man  and  show  him  that  we  as  a  race  ex- 
pect to  stick  up  to  our  race  and  honor  them  to  whom 
honor  is  due,  then  -we  can  say  as  one  has  said,  United  we 
stand,  but  divided  we  fall. 

So  powerful  and  influential  was  the  speeches  that  they 
were  stereotyped  and  sent  all  over  this  State  and  other 
States  in  the  Union  as  a  standard  and  temperance  com- 
paign  document.  Thus  by  the  power  of  the  press  his 
speeches  on  this  great  subject  has  gone  nearly  the  round 
of  America,  into  nearly  every  family,  and  has  done  much 
to  shape  and  mold  the  great  and  powerful  sentiment  of 
temperance  in  this  great  nation.  From  the  compliments 
and  eulogies  which  the  papers  of  this  country  have  paid  to 
our  pastor,  I  think  I  can  be.  warranted  to  say  that  there 
is  no  man,  living  or  dead,  that  has  undergone  more  to 
glorify  the  temperance  cause  and  to  battle  down  the 
strong  hold  of  the  traffic  in  liquor,  than  the  man  whose 
twelfth  anniversary  we  meet  here  to-day  from  all  over 
this  beautiful  city  to  celebrate. 

We  may,  reviewing  things  as  we  do  of  the  past, 
truthfully  and  rightfully  entitle  him,  as  the  Dow  of 
the  Negro  race  in  the  temperance  cause. 


268  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

And  may  God  grant  that  from  the  heroism  that  has 
been  displayed  in  our  pastor  from  this  pulpit  and  nearly 
every  rostrum  and  platform  and  stump  in  this  State  and 
other  States,  so  inspire  and  enthuse  and  mold  and  form  in 
every  man  and  woman  that  here  is  to-day  to  catch  on  fire 
from  this  hero  and  rise  to  that  eminence  that  will  make 
them  a  blessing  to  home,  to  God  and  native  land. 


A  PURPOSE  AND  WILL. 

BY  MISS    SAKAH    DOZIER,    TEACHER    IN    THIRD    WARD 

SCHOOL. 

There  may  be  somewhere  on  the  globe,  men  who  have 
made  themselves  conspicuous  to  the  world's  eye  as  men 
of  prominence,  of  interest  and  wealth  who  started  out 
without  a  Purpvse  and  Will  in  life,  men  who  have  rowed 
their  life-boat  at  random,  men  who  have  truly  reached 
the  top,  but  how  few  men  have  climbed  the  ladder  of 
fame  and  prosperity,  beginning  with  the  round  that 
rested  upon  the  ground  to  the  one  that  leans  against  the 
highest  summit  of  human  ambition,  were  men  who  had 
marked  out  for  themselves  in  life  this  motto,  "  A  Purpose 
and  Will." 

A  purpose  and  will  means  nothing  more  than  a  fixed 
destination.  This  all  men  should  have, for  it  gives  one  more 
zeal,  makes  him  courageous,  makes  him  indeed  a  warrior 
for  the  fixed  purpose,  and  like  the  eagle  which  seeks  ta 
rise  above  the  mighty  thunder  storm,  struggles,  battles 
and  wrestles  with  the  mighty  winds  (all  the  while  with  his 
head  upturned  as  if  desirious  of  fixing  his  eye  on  the 
goal),  and  screams  only  when  he  has  proven  to  himself 
at  least  that  he  had  a  <<  purpose  and  will,"  when  he  can 
calmly  spread  his  pinions  and  sail  above  the  storm. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  269 

Not  that  the  same  person  may  become  successful  in  all 
occupations  in  life,  but  it  is  enough  that  success  is 
achieved  in  a  single  occupation,  proves  much  to  that 
man.  He  deserves  well  of  his  fellowmen  and  may  justly 
respect  himself.  He  had  in  life  mapped  out  a  purpose  and 
will  and  accomplished  it. 

This  man,  though  young  in  years,  recognizing  the 
divine  call,  without  a  thought  of  self,  and  a  heart  full  of 
love  for  God  and  mankind,  has  proved  beyond  a  contra- 
diction that  He,  without  whose  knowledge  a  sparrow 
cannot  fall,  takes  care  of  His  own.  He  seemed  to  have, 
realized  that  the  highest  success  is  achieved  by  making 
the  most  of  one's  powers  and  opportunities.  He  works 
in  accordance  with  the  will  of  the  Master,  and  when  dif- 
ficulties confront  him,  they  vanish  before  him  as  do  the 
mists  from  the  morning  sun.  But  to  the  limited  advan- 
tage for  intellectual  improvement,  he  has  accomplished 
infinitely  more  by  force  of  his  natural  abilities  than  have 
many  who  have  ample  stores  of  useful  information. 

Out  of  the  material  furnished  and  in  accomplishing  the 
controlling  purpose  of  life,  he  has  placed  himself  where 
he  now  stands.  He  has  been  advanced  from  one  position 
to  another,  in  each  of  them  showing  himself  capable  of 
meeting  the  demands  made  upon  him.  , 

His  aim  is  high,  and  to  help  him  reach  it,  he  has  availed 
himself  of  all  the  help,  in  the  way  of  learning  that  were 
accessible;  he  has  read  only  to  learn  more  emphatically 
that  God  made  all  men  to  be  brethren  and  that  Christ 
gave  as  the  sum  total  of  his  doctrine,  that  they  should 
love  one  another.  Let  us  take  a  view  of  the  past  twelve 
years  of  his  life,  when  he  first  became  pastor  of  this 
church.  Just  think  a  church  of  fifteen  hundred  members, 
a  pulpit  left  vacant  by  the  death  of  its  dearly  beloved 
pastor,  he  stepped  in  as  a  son  taking  up  the  great  work? 
has  labored  under  many  disadvantages  to  lead  his  people 


270  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

to  the  desired  haven.  Notice  the  path  through  which  he 
is  passing.  It  is  one  of  obstacles  and  difficulties,  but  be- 
ing a  self-made  man  he  has  worked  his  way  up  from  the 
base  to  its  summit. 

In  preaching  to  his  congregation  he  always  bears  in 
mind  the  old  as  well  as  the  young.  With  these  two  forces 
he  has  struggled  night  and  day  and  succeeded  in  finding 
words  to  please  both,  and  to-day  when  he  takes  his  stand 
in  the  pulpit,  mother  and  daughter,  father  and  son,  wit- 
ness together  the  glorious  truths  that  falls  from  his  lips. 

His  purpose  is  not  to  gather  a  band  about  self,  but 
unite  a  company  around  the  Savior.  He  has  not 
only  devoted  his  time  and  talent  to  his  own  church,  but 
has  also  gone  abroad  to  better  the  moral  condition  of  his 
race.  Take,  for  instance,  the  work  he  undertook  in  ad- 
vocating the  cause  of  prohibition.  In  this  movement  he 
has  made  himself  famous.  During  the  great  struggle  in 
this  cause  in  1885,  he  stood,  as  it  were,  almost  alone  and 
defended  his  cause.  He  made  in  this  campaign  a  name 
that  is  a  household  word  with  prohibitionists  of  the  South. 
Look,  if  you  will,  at  the  enemies  on  all  sides  in  the  form 
of  friends — men  who  walked  daily  by  his  side  with 
smiles  and  words  enough  to  cause  him  to  cry  out : 
"Truly  the  victory, will  be  ours!"  But  in  the  midst  of 
the  great  combat  he  is  often  found  alone,  and  with  a  pur- 
pose and  will,  conquers  his  foe. 

Another  instance  in  which  he  has  experienced  great 
difficulties,  is  in  preaching  to  his  people  on  the  subject  of 
emigration.  He  was  threatened  and  the  pressure  brought 
to  bear  upon  him  to  weaken  his  purpose  was  heavy.  Has 
he  faltered  ?  No,  it  has  seemed  only  to  furnish  strength 
to  his  zeal  and  determination.  He  has  lived,  and  the 
people  have  lived  to  see  and  experience  that  many  of  the 
things  he  preached  to  them  are  indeed  truths. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  271 

It  must  have  taken  a  man  of  purpose  and  will  to  stand 
under  such  difficulties,  amidst  opposition  of  such  strength. 
In  viewing  his  life  from  early  boyhood  to  where  he  now 
stands,  we  can  see  supreme  purposes  which  he  has  formed 
running  through  his  whole  career.  He  has  a  mark  in 
view,  and  is  pursuing  it  steadily.  It  requires  purpose, 
will  and  oneness  of  aim  and  invincible  determination,  to 
succeed.  He  has  experienced  the  great  difference  be- 
tween men,  between  the  great  and  the  insignificant,  is- 
energy,  invincible  determination,  an  honest  purpose  once 
fixed,  and  then  death  or  victory. 

This  quality  will  do  anything  in  the  world,  and  no  tal- 
ents, no  circumstances,  will  make  a  creature  a  man  with- 
out it.  The  very  reputation  of  being  strong-willed  and 
indefatigable  is  of  priceless  value.  Such  purpose  and 
will  have  enabled  him  to  cower  his  enemies  and  dis- 
pel the  opposition  that  was  about  to  confront  him.  He 
started  in  life  with  a  determination  to  reach  a  certain  po- 
sition, and  adhered  unwaveringly  to  his  purpose,  rejecting 
the  advice  of  the  over-cautious.  Can  such  a  man  fail  ? 
No,  he  will  not  fail,  but  is  continuing  to  work  until. he 
reaches  goal  for  which  he  set  out. 

He  is  a  man  who  sees  but  little  impossibility  in  what- 
ever he  undertakes.  If  he  waits  and  does  nothing,  the 
reason  is  that  he  wants  an  opportunity  to  carry  out  his 
purpose.  He  has  formed  in  his  mind  a  divine  purpose  ;. 
it  has  governed  his  conduct,  as  the  laws  of  nature  gov- 
ern the  operation  of  physical  forces.  I  dare  say,  had  he 
not  been  a  man  of  courage  and  full  of  the  divine  will- 
power, he  could  not  and  would  not  be  standing  where  he 
is  to-day. 

For  the  success  which  he  has  enjoyed,  and  for  the 
wide,  extended  influence  which  he  has  exerted,  not  only 
in  his  own  State,  but  in  other  States,  ought  not  the  church, 
to  be  proud  of  such  a  man  ? 


272  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

I  have  not  written  in  terms  of  fulsome  flattery  of  one, 
nor  would  I  convey  the  impression  of  invidious  compari- 
son, but  because  he  merits  it,  I  repeat  and  affirm  all  I  have 
stated  in  the  assertion,  that  of  all  the  choice  spirits  who 
preach  the  Gospel  of  the  Son  Go'd,  he  is  one. 


POSITIVENESS  OF  SPEECH. 

BY   MKS.  A.  BAKSWELL, 

Teacher  in  Fourth  Ward  School. 

Many  know  when  to  speak  and  what  to  say,  but  do  not 
know  how  to  say  it.  Many  know  how  to  speak,  but 
fail  to  do  so.  Such  possessions  as  these  are  possessed 
either  with  selfishness,  cowardice  or  hypocrisy.  Then 
there  are  few,  very  few,  who  know  how  to  speak,  and  do 
speak  in  the  real  way.  When,  by  chance,  we  find  one 
of  this  few  we  should  confer  upon  him  the  greatest  hon- 
ors, for  this  plain,  positive,  open  way  of  speaking  is  the 
best  way  to  reach  the  minds  of  the  people.  No  doubt 
this  very  reflection  has  been  stamped  upon  the  mind  of 
Rev.  Carter,  and  that  is  why  he  chose  this  simple  way 
of  imparting  his  knowledge.  He  considers  the  classes 
of  people  that  he  has  to  minister  unto  ;  for  they  range 
from  the  old  gray-haired  fathers  and  mothers  of  the  dark 
days  of  slavery  to  the  young  blooming  child  of  the  nine- 
teenth century;  from  the  most  ignorant  to  the  most 
learned.  Yet,  even  though  his  mind  is  filled  with  a 
knowedge  of  the  various  languages;  even  though  he  can 
reason  with  philosophers  and  contest  with  the  great  men 
of  the  nation,  he  knows  that  this  is  not  the  time  nor 
the  place  for  it.  So  he  places  himself  in  an  attitude  to 
make  the  lowest  understand.  He  does  not  come  in  with  all 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  273 

the  fine  words  of  Webster,  with  his  hyperbolical  expres- 
sions and  oracular  speeches  to  crowd  out  and  crush  down 
the  understanding  of  the  unlearned.  But  he  is  one  of 
the  very  few  who  know  how  to  talk,  and  who  talks  in 
the  real  way.  He  comes  with  good  common  sense  rea- 
soning; not  with  a  puff  and  a  blow,  but  to  give  the 
truth  in  a  plain  way,  so  as  to  reach  the  hearts  of  the  peo- 
ple. He  has  that  quality  of  candor  in  him  which  is  one 
of  the  first  if  not  the  foremost  of  all  qualities  a  man  can 
possess.  He  is  the  man  with  power  and  not  show;  and 
throughout  the  land  you  will  find  that  the  man  who  has 
power  is  rather  to  be  preferred  than  the  one  who  has 
show.  Rev.  Carter  pours  out  his  heart's  blood  into  the 
channels  of  public  prosperity,  but  he  does  it  in  a  way 
open  to  all.  His  hearers  are  carried  away  with  him;  they 
follow  him  in  all  that  he  says,  because  they  can  under- 
stand even  every  change  of  feeling.  He  speaks  without 
mingling  his  speeches  with  falsehood.  If  he  has  to  speak 
that  he  will  do  it  and  do  it  candidly.  If  he  is  asked  his 
honest  opinion,  that  will  he  give  in  spite  of  all  the  foes 
that  may  rise  against  him.  Once  I  heard  him  say,  "  that 
if  he  had  to  be  a  man's  enemy  because  he  spoke  his  opin- 
ions, why  then  he  would  be  his  enemy."  That  very  ex- 
pression, in  my  opinion,  won  for  him  the  name  of  a  man 
who  is  not  afraid  of  the  truth.  Sometimes  I  think  he  is 
too  plain  and  that  if  he  were  to  withhold  some  things 
of  his  mind  he  might  the  more  gain  the  favor  of  the 
public.  But  he  does  not  regard  public  sentiment;  he 
cares  nothing  for  the  thoughts  of  the  world.  Let  them 
do  what  they  may  his  thoughts  are  his  own  and  he 
does  not  smother  them  when  they  should  be  known.  He 
knows  what  he  does  know;  he  knows  when  to  make  it 
known,  and  he  makes  it  known  in  a  distinct  way.  I  say 
now,  as  I  said  in  the  beginning,  that  if  any  man  cannot 

18 


274  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

speak  his  mind  because  of  fear  then  he  is  a  coward ;  and 
if  any  man  will  not  speak  his  opinion  because  of  friend- 
ship's sake  he  is  a  hypocrite.  Let  us  then  reflect  upon 
this;  let  us  imitate  the  example  of  Rev.  Carter.  For,  to 
say  the  least  of  it,  is  to  say  that  it  is  simply  honest.  We 
all  know  that  any  undertaking,  clear,  round  dealing  is 
the  best  deal.  We  have  been  told  that  this  winding  way? 
this  twist,  this  turn  about  is  the  course  of  the  serpent 
that  God  has  lowered.  If  any  man  takes  this  way  he 
lowers  his  character  and  covers  himself  with  shame.  Let 
us  walk  in  the  straight  path  then;  for  sooner  or  later 
it  will  gain  for  us  the  principal  instruments  for  action 
which  are  trust  and  belief.  We  will  see  that,  as  the  poet 

says: 

There's  wit  there,  we'll  get  there, 
We'll  find  no  other  where. 


WALTER    H.  LANDRUM, 

MASTER  OF   CEREMONIES. 

DEAR  BROTHERS,  SISTERS  AND  FRIENDS:  We  are 
gathered  this  beautiful  Sabbath  to  celebrate  the  twelfth 
anniversary  of  the  administration  of  the  Rev.  E.  R.  Car- 
ter's work  with  us  in  this  our  church. 

A  little  over  twelve  years  ago  it  pleased  the  omnipo- 
tent and  all-wise  God  to  transfer  the  late  Frank  Quarles, 
our  much  beloved  pastor,  from  this  world  of  woe  and 
misery  to  the  celestial  city  above  the  sun,  moon  and  stars. 

My  much  beloved  brothers  and  sisters,  I  know 
you  remember  him  well — yes,  I  know  you  do.  Yes, 
just  as  true  as  I  am  standing  here,  I  believe  I  have  living 
witnesses  to  what  I  shall  say. 

At  times  away  down  in  the  souls  of  you  who  labored 
with  the  Rev.  Quarles,  can't  you  hear  him  giving  out 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  275 

that  favorite  hymn  of  his?  Yes,  when  the  Rev.  Quarles' 
soul  was  kindled  with  the  flames  from  on  high,  he  would 
rise  up  with  the  tears  running  down  his  cheeks — 

1  Servant  of  God,  well  done, 

Kest  from  thy  loved  employ; 
The  battle  fought,  the  victory  won, 
Enter  thou  thy  Master's  joy.' 

2  The  voice  of  midnight  came, 

He  started  up  to  hear ; 
A  mortal  arrow  pierced  his  frame, 

He  fell,  but  felt  no  fear. 

• 

3  The  pains  of  death  are  past, 

Labor  and  sorrow  cease, 
And  life-long  warfare  closed  at  last, 
His  soul  is  found  in  peace. 

4  Soldier  of  Christ,  well  done, 

Praise  be  thy  new  employ, 
And  while  eternal  ages  run, 
Rest  in  thy  Savior's  joy. 

Now,  to  Father  Tate,  Father  John  Carter,  James 
Holmes,  Rivers  and  Houston,  you  who  labored  with  the 
Rev.  Quarles  so  long,  at  times  in  your  bosoms  you  caa 
hear  the  very  sounds  of  his  lining,  and  the  tinkling 
music  of  his  favorite  hymn,  of  which  I  havu  just  spoken, 
ringing  and  shall  continue  to  ring  until  God  shall  call  you 
hence.  God  will  not  let  the  work  of  his  people  die. 

But  let  us  go  back  to  the  subject  of  to-day — the 
twelfth  anniversary  of  the  administration  of  the  Rev. 
E.  R.  Carter.  Twelve  years  ago  this  church  was  with- 
out a  leader.  The  eyes  of  the  deacons  were  turned  in 
every  direction,  thinking  what  would  be  the  best  for  the 
church.  The  prayers  of  the  sisters  ascended  on  high. 

The  God  that  we  serve  being  surrounded  by  a  legion 
of  angels,  making  music  both  day  and  night ;  but  in  the 
midst  of  all  that  magnificent  music  the  prayers  of  Friend- 
ship church  were  heard.  God  sent  forth  a  young  man 


276  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

by  the  name  of  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter  to  lead  his  people  on- 
ward and  upward  toward  the  celestial  city.  But  stop! 
Satan  was  not  asleep.  Some  of  the  members  began  to 
find  fault,  saying  the  young  man  Carter  was  too  young; 
others  said  the  debt  that  hung  over  this  church  was  too 
great  for  a  man  of  his  age. 

The  young  man  Carter  being  a  commissioned  officer  of 
God,  his  papers  all  duly  signed  by  the  Supreme  Hand  of 
the  universe,  took  his  little  army  here,  much  out  in  the 
fields,  delivering  the  church  from  the  great  debt  and  add- 
ing hundreds  of  souls  to  her  list. 

Thus  we  have  gathered  to  return  our  sincere  thanks  to 
our  God  for  the  twelve  years'  journey  in  the  wilderness. 


A  LOOK  BACK  OVER  THE  PASTOR'S  WORK. 

BY    MRS.    MAMIE    (jACKSON)    TATE. 

As  we  look  back  upon  the  silent  ocean  of  the  past 
twelve  years,  of  which  our  beloved  pastor,  Rev.  E.  R. 
Carter,  has  been  our  leader,  we  find  that  they  are  marked 
ones  in  the  history  of  our  community. 

In  the  year  1882,  he  was  called  to  preside  over  the 
congregation  of  Friendship  Baptist  church,  which  at  that 
time  was  a  very  small  number.  As  the  years  rolled  on  the 
church  grew  in  membership^  financial  strength,  and  in- 
fluence, and  is  now  considered  the  second  strongest  of 
any  Negro  organization  in  the  State  of  Georgia. 

Under  the  philosophical  leadership  of  Rev.  Carter, 
this  church  has  been  successful  in  all  of  its  undertakings, 
and  has  given  largely  to  the  educational  and  missionary 
work.  Its  organization,  growth  and  usefulness  are  most 
remarkable.  In  the  midst  of  the  pastor's  grand  work,. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  277 

which  is  his  happiness,  there  has  beat  around  him,  not 
once  but  repeatedly,  storm  after  storrn,  and  at  times  they 
seemed  as  if  they  would  carry  him  down ;  but  he  stood 
undismayed  in  the  midst  of  he  temptest,  while  darkness 
seemed  to  bar  the  way,  sustained  by  strong  faith  through 
which  he  saw  a  brighter  day,  for  beyond  that  belt  of 
darkness,  where  the  years  will  roll  on  as  rippling  and 
caressing  waves,  around  the  green  islands  fragrant  with 
the  breath  of  flowers  that  never  wither  and  whose  atmos- 
phere is  joy  and  peace,  there  alone  is  life.  When  the 
great  waves  of  sorrow  or  depression  have  come  striking 
at  individuals,  he  has  never  failed  to  give  them  needed 
consolation.  Notwithstanding  the  many  difficulties  which 
have  surrounded  him,  he  has  thrown  out  the  life  line  and 
brought  many  safely  to  the  shore. 

Friends,  can  we  be  otherwise  than  grateful  for  such  a 
man  as  Rev.  E.  R.  Carter  ?  For  I  doubt  if  there  has  ever 
been  such  a  record  of  any  man,  living  or  dead,  black  or 
white,  on  this  continent  in  so  brief  a  time  as  this  one  which 
is  being  brought  before  us  to-day. 

Does  not  the  world  need  such  men  ?  Yes,  we  want 
more  men  like  the  one  who  stands  at  the  head  of  Friend- 
ship church,  which  a  time  like  this  demands,  men  with 
great  hearts,  strong  minds,  true  faith  and  willing  hands; 
men  whom  the  lust  of  office  does  not  kill,  men  whom 
the  spoils  of  office  can  not  buy,  men  who  possess 
opinions  and  a  will,  men  who  have  honor,  and  men  who 
will  not  lie. 


A    GOOD   SHEPHERD. 

BY  MAJOR  S.  W.  EASLEY,  JR. 

1  am  to  speak  to  you  of  a  good  shepherd  as  contra- 
distinguished from  "The  Good  Shepherd."  The  term 
shepherd  in  this  sense  is  applied  to  one  who  provides 


278  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

spiritual  food  for  his  flock,  in  whom  he  takes  pleasure  in 
caring  for  and  constantly  holding  before  them  the  love 
of  God,  the  cross  on  Calvary,  the  bleeding  wounds  of 
Him  who  died  for  mankind,  a  pleader  of  our  cause  be- 
fore the  Great  I  Am,  a  loving  Savior,  the  Prince  of 
peace  and  King  of  kings.  He  who  does  this  is  truly  a 
good  shepherd,  as  was  exemplified  on  the  plains  of  Beth- 
lehem when  the  angelic  choir  appeared  unto  the  shep- 
herds, apprising  them  of  the  fact  that  the  Emanuel  was 
born.  This  that  choir  of  choirs  did  with  a  song  of  such 
melody  and  sweetness  that  the  sound  thereof  is  still  upon 
the  wings  of  the  wind,  which  causes  the  blood-washed 
souls  to  become  enchanted  at  each  recurring  sound. 

Does  the  shepherd  of  this  mighty  flock  in  whose  be- 
half these  exercises  are  being  held  to-day,  come  up  to 
this  standard  ?  Is  he  mindful  of  his  flock,  standing  be- 
fore them  with  an  acquitted  conscience  of  a  duty  well 
done  ?  From  my  observation  of  him  I  have  gleaned  the 
following : 

It  is  always  a  difficult  task  to  even  fairly  estimate  the 
character  and  purposes  of  a  man  filling  an  exalted  posi- 
tion. He  is  so  far  removed  from  the  ordinary  plane  that 
his  in-coming  and  out-going  are  a  mystery  to  most  of 
mankind.  Few  people  know  him  well.  The  multitude 
must  gather  their  knowledge  of  him  through  the  mist  of 
conjecture  and  take  their  view  of  his  conduct  from  be- 
hind other  people's  spectacles. 

Years  of  association  with  men  of  more  or  less  import- 
ance have  taught  me  many  useful  lessons  in  criticism. 
A  man  of  prominence  once  said  that  you  never  really 
know  a  man  until  you  have  been  with  him  in  his  bibulous 
as  well  as  his  graver  moments.  This  is  entirely  true. 
The  most  difficult  of  all  the  work  writers  have  to  do  is 
to  make  an  estimate  of  a  prominent  man  and  his  acts 
from  the  eminence  upon  which  he  stands.  Criticism  is 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  279 

therefore  often  as  unjust  as  applause  is  undeserved.  In 
this  spirit  and  in  this  light  I  am  viewing  Rev.  E.  R. 
Carter,  pastor  of  this  church,  whose  broad  personality  is 
worthy  of  careful  consideration. 

I  have  been  led  to  make  this  attempt  at  an  estimate  of 
the  character  of  the  most  accomplished  and  scholarly 
Baptist  minister  in  Georgia,  and  is  therefore  rightly 
called  a  good  shepherd. 

The  doings  and  sayings  of  men  in  high  places  are  oft- 
times  magnified  or  dwarfed  by  those  whose  self-interest 
intrudes  eulogy  or  defamation  upon  those  who  have  not 
the  opportunity  of  seeing  and  hearing  for  themselves. 
There  is  an  old  and  true  adage  that  "  No  man  is  a  hero 
to  his  valet,"  yet  he  may  be  a  hero  to  the  many  who  can- 
not reach  him.  There  is  no  one  so  great  in  this  world 
that  he  is  net  an  ordinary  individual  to  some  one. 

The  character  under  revision  to-day  by  this  congrega- 
tion is  known  to* you  as  one  possessing  lofty  traits  of 
Christian  virtues,  a  personification  of  the  lowly  Nazarine, 
the  embodiment  of  a  true  and  faithful  shepherd. 

Those  of  us  who  cast  our  eyes  heavenward  at  night 
and  as  we  hehold  the  bright  planets  that  adorn  the  skies 
with  their  radiance  of  light  and  splendor,  we  observe 
the  satalites  around 'which  cluster  the  smaller  ones.  So 
it  is  -with  us  to-day  clustering  around  a  servant  of  God 
commissioned  by  Him  to  preach  Christ  to  a  dying  world, 
and  how  well  he  has  done  so,  the  records  of  this  house 
of  God  is  an  answer  for  that. 

We  are  asked  to-day  to  stop  and  celebrate  the  twelfth 
anniversary  of  the  installation  of  th^  pastor  of  this 
church.  To  me  it  is  both  a  pleasure  and  a  pride  to  be 
permitted  to  add  my  feeble  and  humble  testimony  to  the 
intellectual,  moral  and  Christian  worth  of  our  friend  and 
brother. 


280  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

LINES, 

BY   LITTLE  MISS  PEARL  SCHELL, 

At  the  Author's  Twelfth  Anniversary  of  his  work  as  Pastor  of 
Friendship  Baptist  Church. 

1  The  man  I  came  to  speak  of  to-day 
Is  one  of  whom  the  people  say 

Is  a  mighty  speaker  in  every  way. 

2  He  was  born  in  Athens,  they  say, 
A  city  not  far  away, 

In  the  year  of  fifty-six — 

The  day  of  the  month  not  accurately  fixed. 

3  He  came  to  Atlanta  in  seventy-nine, 

And  in  the  people's  hearts  he  began  to  entwine, 
For  he  always  was  a  fellow  not  to  be  left  behind. 

4  He  drove  the  peg  with  hammer  of  shoemaker's  kind, 
That  he  might  stay  in  school  and  prepare  himself  for  the 

task  of  the  times.  . 

5  In  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-four, 
He  finished  college  and  went  no  more, 
For  the  Master's  work  called  him  to  go. 


SUMMER  HILL  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  281 


ABSTRACT  OF  AN  ADDRESS. 

BY  WM.  E.  HOLMES, 
Delivered  before  the  white  teachers  at  Gainesville,  Ga.,  June,  1894. 

Besides  the  teachers  there  were  present  members  of 
the  Board  of  Education,  Hall  county,  the  expert  in 
charge  of  the  white  teachers'  institute,  lawyers,  the  col- 
ored teachers  of  Gainesville  and  the  county,  and  the  col- 
ored pastors. 

The  address  delivered  at  the  request  of  Hon.  John  T. 
Wilson,  Sr.,  Commissioner  of  Education,  Hall  county, 
was  as  follows: 

LADIES  AND  GENTLEMEN:  I  am  glad  this  opportunity 
presents  itself.  I  shall  improve  it  to  the  extent  of  my 
ability  in  the  brief  space  of  time  allotted  me  to  speak  to 
you.  I  am  always  glad  to  address  an  audience  of  this 
kind.  Two  years  ago  before  one  of  the  largest  and  most 
representative  gatherings  ever  assembled  in  the  historic 
old  First  Church  of  the  Baptist  denomination  in  Philadel- 
phia I  was  invited  to  speak.  To  that  body  I  spoke  of 
the  Negro,  and  to  you  I  shall  speak  of  the  same  subject, 
because  everywhere  there  is  misapprehension,  misunder- 
standing on  this  subject.  And  the  cause  of  all  this  in  the 
South  is,  that  for  thirty  years — the  life  of  a  generation — 
you  have  not  known  anything  of  the  Negro;  you  stand 
aloof  from  him;  you  have  no  adequate  conception  of  the 
progress  he  has  made  since  '65;  nor  do  you  know  what 
he  is  reading,  what  he  is  thinking,  or  what  he  is  doing. 

In  that  elder  day  when  he  sustained  the  relation  of 
slave  to  you,  and  you  master  to  him,  you  saw  more  of 
him  in  your  houses.  You  visited  his  cabin  and  his  more 
pretentious  dwelling  place.  He  worshiped  in  your  meet- 
ing houses  and  at  your  firesides,  but  with  freedom  came 


282  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

mistrust,  alienation,  and  the  withdrawal  of  your  assist- 
ance and  kindly  advice. 

Thus  left  alone,  ignorant  and  irresponsible,  to  become 
an  easy  prey  to  the  demagogue  who  sought  power  and 
preferment  at  his  hands,  and  the  South  herself  is  re- 
sponsible for  the  condition  of  affairs  which  followed 
emancipation. 

But  here  let  me  not  rest.  The  Negro  is  misrepre- 
sented whenever  he  asks  the  worth  of  his  money.  On 
railway  lines  and  river  steamers  he  asks  not  that  you  be 
his  associate,  but  that  instead  of  crowding  him  into  third- 
rate  compartments  where  the  air  is  vitiated  with  the 
smoke  of  the  white  man's  cigar,  and  the  water  cups 
are  used  to  drink  whisky  from,  you  provide  him  with 
accommodations  commensurate  with  the  expense  his 
travel  involves. 

Why  charge  him  first-class  rates,  and  in  return  give 
him  such  fare  ?  At  present  it  is  neither  safe  nor  comfort- 
able for  our  women  to  travel  any  considerable  distance 
alone  on  common  carriers  in  most  Southern  States.  And 
yet  when  we  ask  that  this  condition  of  things  be  changedr 
the  cry  of  "social  equality"  is  raised,  when,  in  truth,, 
there  is  not  a  sober,  sensible  Negro  on  the  American  con- 
tinent who  desires  or  seeks  admission  to  your  social  circles. 
This  whole  thing  of  social  equality  is  a  bugbear,  and  ex- 
ists only  in  the  minds  of  those  who  harp  upon  it. 

The  Negro  is  the  best  peasantry  in  the  world.  You 
talk  about  filling  up  the  South  with  the  hordes  of  immi- 
grants who  by  the  half  million  every  year  crowd  our 
shores.  You  are  talking  and  planning  to  introduce  peo- 
ple here  who  are  out  of  harmony  with  the  genius  and 
spirit  of  our  government  ;  people  prepared  to  create  a 
reign  of  terror  of  which  the  Negro  never  dreams.  You 
are  planning  to  have  enacted  here  such  scenes  as  those 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  283 

through  which  our  fellow-countrymen  passed  recently  at 
Chicago,  Boston,  New  York,  and  other  places. 

Let  the  white  people  of  the  South  but  make  the  over- 
tures to  the  Negro  they  are  making  to  the  anarchists,  to 
the  communists,  to  the  socialists,  and  every  old  red  hill 
would  be  crowned  with  plenty  and  every  neglected  valley 
would  smile  with  the  products  of  his  labor. 

Why  should  not  the  Negro  be  trusted  ?  From  day  to 
day,  patient  and  uncomplaining,  he  goes  to  his  task  under 
conditions  no  other  people  would  endure. 

Why  should  not  the  Negro  be  trusted  now  ?  When 
the  permanence  and  stability  of  this  union  was  at  stake, 
and  you  of  the  South,  at  Bull  Run,  Shiloh,  and  Gettysburg, 
contended  for  what  you  believed  to  be  right,  behind  you 
were  your  wives  and  your  little  ones,  left  to  the  keeping 
of  the  faithful  Negro  about  whose  limbs  you  were  forg- 
ing more  tightly  the  chains  of  slavery,  and  during  that 
entire  struggle  there  was  not  one  black  hand  uplifted  to 
to  strike  down  the  least  of  those  committed  to  his  care. 

The  Negro  is  an  American  citizen,  and  he  is  concerned 
for  the  welfare  of  American  institutions  and  the  perpe- 
tuity of  American  government.  And  here  let  me  state 
that,  however  good  and  law-abiding  may  have  been  the 
parents  of  the  present  generation  of  Negroes,  their  sons 
and  successors  are  no  less  so. 

Here  and  there  among  therri  is;found  the  vicious,  shift- 
less, lawless  element — and  where  is  it  not  found? — but 
I  deny  that  education  has  unfitted  these  people  for  res- 
idence in  the  land  that  gave  them  birth.  It  has-  helped 
them;  it  has  not  hurt  them;  it  has  done  them  good;  it 
has  not  done  them  harm;'  it  has  lifted  them  up;  it  has  not 
cast  them  down. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  say  Northern  institutions  for  the 
higher  education  of  the  Negro  have  not,  as  some  have 
claimed,  made  the  Negro  the  enemy  of  his  Southern 


284  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

white  neighbor.  On  the  contrary,  these  schools  have 
opened  the  eyes  of  the  Negro  to  his  duty  to  himself  and 
to  his  fellow-men.  If  you  and  all  the  other  white  people 
of  these  Southern  States  knew  what  these  schools  are  do- 
ing for  the  South  in  giving  it  a  more  desirable  class  of 
citizens,  in  preparing  them  to  develop  its  resources,  and 
so  become  powerful  factors  in  its  material  advancement, 
you  all  would  commend  the  public  spirited  philanthropists 
of  the  North  for  furnishing  the  means  to  reach  such 
results. 

I  declare  there  cannot  be  found  anywhere  within  the 
limits  of  the  old  Confederacy  better  or  more  effectual 
agencies  at  work  making  law-abiding,  useful  citizens  of 
the  Negro  than  the  seminaries  of  learning  everywhere 
in  the  South,  which  stand  as  monuments  to  the  patriotism 
and  humanity  of  Northern  benefactors. 

I  invoke  God's  blessing  upon  these  benefactors,  and  I 
pray  that  the  light  of  his  countenance  may  shine  upon 
the  institutions  they  have  founded  for  the  education  of 
this  race.  And  may  they  continue  to  be  what  they  have 
thus  far  proved  to  be,  powers  for  good  to  the  latest 
generation  of  man. 

Hoping  what  I  have  said  may  lead  you  to  think  more 
favorably  of  the  race  I  represent,  and  thanking  you,  ladies 
and  gentlemen,  for  your  patient  and  polite  attention,  I 
have  done  what  I  regard  3  very  pleasant  duty. 


LET  US  PLAY  THE  MAN. 

Sketch  of  a  sermon  preached  before  the  Second  Battalion  of  the 
Governor's  Volunteers  (Ga.)  on  the  fourth  Sunday  in  July,  1894, 
by  the  Author. 

We  are  living  in  one  of  the  grandest  countries  on  the 
face  of  the  globe  ;  none  like  it  anywhere.  Whatever 
we  may  think  of  it,  because  of  our  attitude  and  situation 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  28. *> 

in  it,  of  course,  protection  of  life,  property,  liberty, 
friends,  and  all  other  civil  rights  are  of  the'first  and  high- 
est importance  with  the  people  of  the  government;  and 
if  these  things  are  neglected  in  reference  to  any  part  of 
its  citizens,  the  country  where  that  part  of  its  citizens  live 
will  be  taught  by  such  treatment  to  seek  a  panacea  for 
their  ills,  and  will  regard  the  local  district  and  geograph- 
ical line  that  encircles  the  spot  of  their  habitation  as  the 
whole  country,  and  that  the  meanest  and  most  unright- 
eous spot  upon  the  globe,  but  this  will  not  blot  out  the 
fact  of  its  grandeur  in  all. 

There  are  other  countries  that  may  have  some  features 
that  accord  with  our  idea  as  to  how  a  country  ought  ta 
deal  in  equity  with  all  of  its  subjects,  and  this  idea  may 
create  dissatisfaction  in,the  ill-treated  part  of  that  govern- 
ment, and  with  the  love  of  liberty  that  burns  in  their 
bosom,  may  stir  them  to  seek  another  clime,  and  as  they 
go,  shake  the  dust  off  their  feet  as  a  testimony  against  it. 
But  on  arriving  at  this  goodly  land,  we  come  in  contact 
with  a  more  formidable  foe,  and  may  be  called  eternally 
to  the  battle-field  to  protect  our  property,  religion,  liberty 
and  family.  Worse  than  all,  swim  through  a  sea  of 
blood  to  maintain  them,  so  far  as  the  right  to  own  prop- 
erty in  this  country.  We  can  own  all  we  can  pay  for. 
So  far  as  religious  liberty,  no  man  dare  to  molest  us;  so 
far  as  civil  liberty,  we  may  walk,  stand,  and  act  where  we 
please.  So  far  as  our  standing,  walking,  and  acting  are 
in  the  bounds  of  the  law,  and  when  I  say  this,  I  am  not 
blind  to  nor  ignorant  of  the  troubles,  drawbacks,  hin- 
drances and  mighty  resistances  which,  as  a  part  of  this 
grand  republic,  we  have  to  encounter. 

But,  my  fellow-brethren,  we  are  not  the  only  creatures 
of  God's  great  creation  that  have  to  meet  and  encounter 
and  struggle  for  the  place  they  would  occupy  on  this- 
mighty,  prolific,  and  progressive  globe.  All  things  have 


286  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

to  struggle  with  all  their  might  and  main  for  the  point  of 
eminence  for  which  they  are  striving  to  reach.  The 
mighty  king  of  day,  as  he  rises  out  of  the  womb  of  the 
morning,  has  to  struggle  against  the  darkness  of  a  pre- 
ceding night  with  a  mighty  burning  torch  of  light  to  gain 
his  reign ;  the  silvery  lights  that  aid  the  way-worn  traveler 
have  to  struggle  through  air  and  cloud,  and  a  thousand 
other  forces  to  give  its  light  to  earth's  inhabitants;  the 
little  stream  that  comes  tumbling  down  the  crags  of  a 
mighty  Alpine  peak  through  valley  and  plain,  pushing  and 
shoving  and  dividing  its  way  around  curves,  being  re- 
pelled and  tossed  backward  and  forward  before  it  reaches 
the  mighty  ocean.  It  seems  to  be  the  order  of  nature  and 
the  plan  of  Providence  to  develop  and  improve  a  nation 
of  people  through  this  method  of  discipline,  and  its  sub- 
jects' have  only  to  wait  for  the  fruits  of  its  operation. 
4<The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste,  but  sweet  will  be  the 
flower." 

It  has  just  been  a  few  centuries  since  the  Jew  was 
hated,  persecuted,  and  brutally  treated  ii  Europe.  And 
these  very  same  people  by  wise  conduct  have  arisen  from 
this  abject  state  to  the  best  society  and  position  that  is 
within  the  gift  of  the  United  Kingdom.  I  have  only  need 
to  refer  to  the  Rothschilds,  the  monarchial  gold- 
bugs;  their  moneys  are  loaned  in  every  part  of 
the  world.  Benjamin  Disraeli  is  another  mighty 
power  that  has  arisen  of  the  Jewish  nation  in  the 
United  Kingdom.  He  was  despised  and  rejected  of  men. 
How  bitter  these  words  are,  especially  to  the  despised 
,man;  it  weighs  on  his  ambition  like  a  millstone  around 
his  neck.  So  felt  Benjamin  Disraeli,  the  Jew.  To  be  a 
Jew  was  to  be  out  of  the  pale  of  English  society,  eligible 
to  no  office,  ground  down  by  special  taxes.  After  work- 
ing earnestly  for  many  years,  he  was  at  last  rejoiced  to 
see  the  "Emancipation  of  the  Jews"  act  passed  by  the 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  287 

English  Parliament,  and  he  was  elected  by  a  small  bor- 
ough as  its  representative  in  the  British  House  of  Com- 
mons. When  he  made  his  first  speech  there,  he  became 
so  confused  and  embarrassed  that,  amidst  the  jeers  and 
laughter  of  the  other  members,  he  sank  back  silent  into 
his  seat.  The  ridicule  so  stung  him,  tha*  he  jumped  up 
again  and  said,  "You  laugh  at  me  now,  but  the  time  will 
come  when  you  will  laugh  with  me."  By  patient  indus- 
try, at  last,  he  was  acknowledged  to  be  the  first  rheto- 
rician in  the  house,  and  when  Disraeli  rose  in  his  seat,  the 
empty  benches  became  filled  as  if  by  magic,  and  the 
morning  newspapers  everywhere  were  filled  with  his 
great  speeches.  The  words  of  this  Jew  moved  the  em- 
perors and  kings  of  other  countries,  and  he  became  the 
exponent  of  English  ideas  to  the  powers  of  the  earth 
everywhere.  He  became  the  most  trusted  minister  of 
Queen  Victoria,  until  at  last,  for  his  great  services  to  her 
and  the  English  nation,  she  said,  "You  are  no  longer 
plain  Mr.  Benjamin  Disraeli,  the  Jew,  but  you  shall  be 
called  "The  Right  Honorable  Earl  of  Beaconsfield,  a 
peer  and  nobleman  of  England,  and  the  leader  of  the 
House  of  Lords,  and  second  only  to  a  prince  of  the 
blood  royal." 

At  the  close  of  the  Russian-Turkish  war,  Russia  dic- 
tated peace  to  Turkey,  but  the  other  European  powers 
objected  to  the  San  Stefano  treaty,  and  demanded  that 
a  conference  should  be  held.  The  result  was  a  meeting 
of  the  representatives  of  all  the  great  powers  in  Berlin, 
Germany.  Lord  Beaconsfield  was  sent  to  represent 
Great  Britain,  and  among  all  the  great  ones  of  these 
great  countries,  Lord  Beaconsfield  was  elected  chairman 
of  that  conference,  to  which  the  destiny  of  nations  was 
intrusted,  and  the  peace  of  the  world  involved.  When 
he  returned  to  England,  the  enthusiam  of  the  people  was 
beyond  description  when  he  stood  up  in  his  place  near 


288  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

the  throne  and  said,  "  He  had  brought  back  from  Berlin 
to  London  peace  with  honor." 

At  last,  full  of  years  and  honor,  he  lay  down  to  his  last 
sleep  amid  the  wail  of  a  grief-stricken  nation.  Around 
the  grave  stood  the  great  ones  of  the  earth, princes,  kings, 
and  emperors,  «ione  too  great  to  do  him  reverence.  He 
lives  to-day,  as  no  other  statesman  does,  in  the  hearts  of 
his  countrymen.  He  alone  has  had  dedicated  and  set 
apart  a  special  day  to  commemorate  his  memory.  On 
the  anniversary  of  his  death,  his  favorite  flower,  the  prim- 
rose, will  be  seen  decorating  the  homes  and  persons  of 
high  and  low,  rich  and  poor,  in  England,  and  if  you  ask 
its  meaning,  the  people  will  say,  "  This  is  primrose  day, 
kept  in  honor  of  Benjamin  Disraeli,  the  despised  Jew." 

And  now  what  do  I  mean  by  telling  this  bit  of  history 
of  a  despised  race  but  to  show  you  what  is  true  of  ope 
race  may  be  true  of  another,  especially  when  its  men  will 
do  their  whole  duty,  and  have  for  their  sole  object  the 
elevation  of  the  people.  Benjamin  Disraeli  did  not  come 
to  honor  by  incendiary  speeches  and  teaching  his  de- 
spised race  anarchy  and  rebellion,  but  by  being  a  loyal 
citizen  himself,  and  teaching  his  people  the  same,  and 
playing  the  man  for  them.  What  we  want  are  men. 

God  give  us  men !     A  time  like  this  demands 

Great  hearts,  strong  minds,  true  faith,  and  willing  hands. 

Men  whom  the  lust  of  office  does  not  kill ; 

Men  whom  the  spoils  of  office  cannot  buy  ; 

Men  who  possess  opinions  and  a  will ; 

Men  who  have  honor,  men  who  will  not  lie; 

For  while  the  rabble,  with  their  thumb-worn  creeds, 

Their  large  professions  and  their  little  deeds, 

Wrangle  in  selfish  strife — lo!  Freedom  weeps, 

Wrong  rules  the  land,  and  waiting  Justice  sleeps. 

—Oliver  Wendell  Holmes. 

This  was  not  in  the  land  where  they  were  recognized  as 
men,  and  allowed  every  proper  representation,  but  where 
they  were  ridiculously  treated, sneered  at,  rebuked,  and  de- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  289 

spised  that  they  have  arisen  to  so  great  a  height  of  eminence 
and  altitude  of  power  and  recognition.  And  what  is  true 
of  this  people,  is  true  of  any  nation  or  race  of  people  who 
will  adopt  the  wisest  and  best  method  of  producing  peace 
with  the  race  among  whom  they  are  living,  and  follow  it. 
Know  this  that  there  is  no  place  teeming  with  such  op- 
portunities and  advantages  for  aiding  a  people  to  the 
highest  plane  of  civilization.  We  often  charge  bad  gov- 
ernment with  most  of  the  wrongs  that  we  have  received, 
and  then  seek  to  check  them  by  changing  the  govern- 
ment by  political  measures;  and  so  we  say  that  if  the 
Wilson  bill  goes  overboard  the  country  will  be  better.  If 
the  Force  bill  goes  into  effect  old  things  will  pass  away, 
and  behold  all  things  will  become  new.  If  we  had  some 
change  in  the  government  that  would  give  all  subjects 
fair  recognition  and  representation,  then  this  would  be  a 
grand  country;  but  these  remedies  have  been  applied  in 
part,  and  still  we  are  in  want  of  a  panacea.  What 
then?  We  see  what  we  want,  we  feel  what  we  want,  but 
where  is  the  statesman  that  ever  stood  in  Congress,  in  the 
Senate,  that  ever  formed  the  law  or  constructed  a  mode 
of  government  that  ever  met  the  approval  of  all  people. 
God  himself  has  never  yet  done  it,  and  man  need  not  ex- 
pect it  from  sinful  and  erring  man.  The  thing  for  us  to 
do  as  a  part  of  this  grand  republic,  is  to  view  the  state 
of  affairs  as  respecting  us  in  the  clearest  light,  and  seek 
in  the  most  peaceful  way,  with  the  race  which  we  are  liv- 
ing and  bound  to  live,  the  wisest  and  best  method  of  ad- 
justing them.  Hot-headedness  and  incendiary  speeches 
never  bring  peace,  but  will  sink  deeeper  and  deeper  the 
prejudice  and  envy  that  now  exist  between  the  two 
races,  into  irreconcilable  depth.  There  is  no  other  way 
for  us  to  live  with  another  race  but  to  seek  mutual  con- 
fidence and  pursue  it.  We  have  tried  politics  long  enough ; 

19 


290  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

we  have  looked  forward  to  the  results  of  political  meas- 
ures in  hope  of  a  resurrection  from  all  our  ills,  and  still 
we  are  in  our  graves  without  hope  of  ever  living  again. 
The  main  thing  for  us  to  do  is  to  become  reconciled  with 
our  opponents.  All  the  wrongs  done  us  in  the  South  are 
not  from  a  natural  pesonal  hatred  or  personal  envy  which 
they  have  against  us  as  a  people,  but  from  the  relation 
which  we  sustain  to  the  Republican  party,  and  the  Re- 
publican party  to  us.  The  Republican  party,  in  its  incip- 
iency,  guarantees  so  many  things  contrary  and  inherent 
to  the  Democratic  principles,  and  *we  being  in  such  away 
allied  to  the  Republican  party,  we  are  ever  made  subjects 
of  their  hatred  and  victims  of  their  spleen.  If  both  par- 
ties had  left  off  many  harsh  measures,  which  have  been 
used  for  adjusting  the  things  relative  to  our  condition,  we 
no  doubt  long  since  would  have  been  enjoying  the  same 
features  of  recognition  and  representation  that  any  other 
unliked  element,  in  the  form  of  people  dwelling  in  the 
midst  of  this  great  .nation,  has  enjoyed;  but  however 
dark  and  cloudy  may  seem  the  state  of  affairs,  I  candidly 
believe  that  there  is  a  turning  point  for  our  good,  but  not 
in  partyism,  nor  in  political  reformation,  because  all  polit- 
ical reforms  of  to-day  are  nothing  but  tricks,  and  what- 
ever danger  and  destruction  and  hurtful  results  that  are 
in  these  reforms,  the  poor  and  ignorant  part  of  the  gov- 
ernment are  the  sole  victims.  See  the  state  of  affairs 
that  is  now  in  our  midst;  the  people  of  the  country,  in 
wild  confusion,  snatched  the  government  with  their  ballot 
from  the  wisest  statesman  that  the  nation  ever  witnessed, 
thinking  that  a  new  reform  would  better  the  condi- 
tion of  the  country.  Alas !  ere  they  had  cleared  the  polls 
and  the  grand  old  ship  of  State  had  been  launched  for  a 
glorious  voyage  on  the  sea  of  Democracy,  she  sprung  a 
leak  in  the  lower  deck  of  tariff  reform,  and  she  went  down 
into  the  gulf  of  bankruptcy,  carrying  with  her  almost 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  291 

every  conceivable  form  of  industry;  and  as  I  watched 
her  sinking  into  the  deep,  I  saw  the  poor  and  ignorant  class 
perish  with  her,  while  a  few  of  the  crew,  such  as  the  gold- 
bugs,  leaped  from  the  upper  deck  upon  a  little  plank  that 
floated  upon  the  rough  sea.  The  Wilson  bill  tried  to 
save  their  lives,  and  all  who  looked  on  thought  that  they 
would  finally  be  lost,  and  the  plank  on  which  they  floated 
only  left  a  sign  of  where  they  went  down.  Viewing  these 
things  as  we  have,  and  seeing  that  we  have  not  as  yet 
obtained  any  permanent  and  abiding  benefit,  let  us  not 
grow  despondent,  nor  become  discouraged  and  give  up 
the  ship,  for  things  are  not  even  now  what  they  used 
to  be.  Many  changes  have  taken  place  are  taking 
place  every  day  for  our  good,  and  as  slow  as  they 
may  seem  to  come,  the  day  is  breaking,  and  the 
skies  of  our  political  condition  are  already  reddening 
with  a  beautiful  and  glorious  sunlight  of  a  charming  day 
of  recognition.  Only  let  us  do  our  part  well  in  all  the 
trusts  that  are  vouchedsafed  to  us  by  the  government, 
the  people,  and  the  nation,  and  take  the  advice  of  the 
Mighty  General  of  the  armies  of  Isreal,  "  Be  of  good- 
courage,  and  play  the  men  for  our  people,  and  for  the 
cities  of  our  God  and  the  Lord,  do  that  that  seemeth  good 
to  them." 


THE  NEGRO    IN  ORATORY. 

Delivered  before  the  Teachers'  Association  of  Georgia,  June,  1894, 
at  Augusta,  Ga. 

Mr.  President  and  the  Teachers  of  Georgia  assembled  : 

I  esteem  the  opportunity  that  has  been  given  me  to 
speak  to  you  to-day  as  a  great  privilege,  and  the  sense 
of  the  honor  conferred  by  the  distinguished  presiding 


292  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

officer  of  this  department  is  so  profoundly  fraught  with 
^our  estimation  of  my  ability  to  speak  to  you  upon 
this  subject  that  I  find  it  exceedingly  difficult  to  select 
words  to  express  my  feelings  of  the  honor  conferred. 

The  negro,  in  general,  has  shown  himself  fully  suscep- 
tible of  the  fullest  development  in  all  the  arts  and  sciences 
that  have  been  discovered  in  this  nineteenth  century.  As- 
a  historian,  Johnson  has  fully  shown  competency,  on  the 
part  of  the  negro,  to  write  the  story  of  facts  in  details. 
While  he  may  not  have  had  the  time  and  experience 
and  hereditary  associations  drawn  about  him  that  many 
of  the  brightest  stars  in  'this  sphere  of  literary  sky,  yet 
he  has  arisen  so  high  in  the  midst  of  the  mighty 
constellation,  that  its  brilliancy  can  be  recognized  by  the 
most  cultured,  acute  minds  in  such  a  powerful  way  that 
it  compliments  the  race,  not  with  that  narrow  circum- 
scribed appellation  as  the  best  historian  of  the  Negro  race,, 
but  as  a  historian  that  is  equal  to  any.  and  unrivaled  by 
many  of  the  Caucasians  who  have  taken  their  rank  in  the 
mighty  stellary  system  of  the  historians  of  the  world.  As 
a  philosopher,  I  have  only  to  refer  to  Bishop  Henry 
McNeal  Turner,  J.  W.  E.  Bowen,  E.  W.  Blyden,  and  the 
irresistible  and  potent  reasoner,  J.  H.  Garnett,  D.D.  If 
we  glance  at  the  inventor's  fields,  I  have  only  need  to 
ask  your  investigation  of  the  patent  hall  of  the  capitol 
of  the  nation,  and  there  you  will  find  ocular  demonstra- 
tion sufficient  to  evince  the  genius  and  ability  of  the  Negro 
to  produce  almost  anything  in  the  ruder  and  finer  arts 
that  any  other  being  that  has  a  soul  can  produce.  I  speak 
in  reference  to  these  things  and  in  the  face  of  the  most 
gorgon  prejudice  unlimited  and  uncompromising. 

Some  may  judge  me  extravagant,  but  I  shall  never- 
own  it.  And  now,  as  1  proceed  directly  upon  the  subject 
assigned  me  for  this  occasion,  I  come  with  no  less  words 
of  limitation,  with  no  less  compromising  words  for  the 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  293 

Negro  in  the  oratorical  field.  The  Negro  is  not  like  the 
Caucasian  race  on  this  line,  who  have  to  be  drilled  and 
mechanically  trained  in  order  to  become  powerful  in  the 
<irt  of  speaking,  but  it  is  innate  and  ineradicable  in.  the 
Negro.  He  can  speak  as  powerfully  and  as  eloquently, 
with  a  very  limited  vocabulary,  as  can  many  of  the 
brightest  stars  in  the  oratorical  skies,  with  all  their  liter- 
ary attainments.  I  have  heard  the  greatest  speakers 
of  the  world.  I  have  sat  under  the  mild  and  dew-like 
falling  tones  of  the  matchless  pulpit  orator,  Charles  H. 
Spurgeon,  the  preacher  of  the  nineteenth  century;  I  have 
heard  the  brilliant  and  eloquent  Parker  of  the  city  of 
London;  1  have  heard  the  only  Gladstone  in  the  world; 
the  enthusiastic,  sensational,  and  bombastic  DeWitt 
Talmage,  Parkhurst,  Stors,  of  Brooklyn,  and  Gordon 
of  Boston,  and  Grady  of  Atlanta.  But  all  their  liter- 
ary attainments,  coupled  with  centuries  of  hereditary 
culture,  when  compared  to  the  natural  ability  of  the 
Negro,  is  like  the  blowing  of  fog  horns  in  the  midst  of 
the  mighty  peals  of  a  thunderstorm  at  sea.  I  do  not 
mean  by  this  that  the  volume  of  the  Negro's  voice  is  all 
fuss,  but  along  with  this  thundering  and  earthquaking 
power  in  oratory  comes  inspiration  that  creates  men  into 
lions,  or  fashions  them  into  lambs.  The  Negro's  power 
to  speak  is  as  charming  as  the  mound-like  waters  of  the 
Ontario,  and  as  awfully  grand  as  the  dizzy  heights  of 
the  altitude  peeks  of  the  Alps  of  Italy,  and  as  electrifying 
as  the  beautiful  powers  in  the  forces  of  nature,  and  as 
eloquent  as  the  heavens.  This  is  due  in  a  measure  to 
the  clearness  and  beauty  of  the  Negro's  voice. 

The  voice,  in  my  opinion,  and  the  power  to  use  it,  is 
the  most  important  element  in  oratory,  and  this  the  Negro 
has  without  measure.  I  admit  that  rhetoric  grammar 
and  some  elocutionary  training  play  an  important  part 
in  the  art  of  speaking,  but  these  without  a  good  voice, 


294  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

clear  as  the  ringing  of  a  silver  bell,  would  be  as  so  much 
ammunition  set  apart  to  be  used  in  a  great  battle  with- 
out cannon  or  gun  through  which  to  give  them  force 
and- power  for  which  they  are  to  be  used. 

The  Negro  has  both  the  ammunition  and  the  instrument 
through  which  to  make  it  powerful.  And  with  this 
mighty  voice  of  his,  with  the  appliance  of  these  other 
elements,  he  has  driven  the  guilty  sinner  into  awe  and 
lifted  the  Christian  into  ecstasy;  with  it  he  has  charmed 
congress  and  the  chambers  of  the  senate;  he  has  set  the 
legislature  into  as  great  a  rage  as  the  Euroclydon  ever 
stirred  the  sea.  It  has  gone  over  sea  and  land  that  the 
Negro  is  an  orator. 

In  proof  of  these  strong  utterances  which  I  give  upon 
the  Negro  in  oratory,  let  us  call  your  attention  to  some  of 
the  Negro  orators  of  the  past  days,  such  as  Toussaint 
L'Ouverture.  It  was  at  a  time  when  the  freedom  of  San 
Domingo  was  about  to  be  overthrown,  and  when  this  man 
saw  the  fleets  coming  into  the  waters  of  the  island,  he 
exclaimed,  "  All  France  is  coming  to  enslave  Sando- 
mingo!  We  perish!"  and  turning  to  his  people  he  said, 
"Burn  the  cities;  destroy  the  harvest;  tear  up  the  roads 
with  cannon,  and  poison  the  wells.  Show  the  white  man 
the  hell  he  comes  to  make."  And  at  another  time  his 
little  soul  was  fired  with  indignation,  and  he  gave  vent  to 
it  in  these  words:  "  I  took  up  arms  for  the  freedom  of 
my  color.  France  proclaimed  it,  and  she  has  no  right  to 
nullify  it.  Our  liberty  is  no  longer  in  her  hands;  it  is  in 
our  own.  We  will  defend  it  or  perish."  The  next  to  be 
'noticed  of  the  past  days  are  the  late  Revs.  Andrew  Mar- 
shall, Henry  Watts,  and  T.  M.  Robinson. 

It  is  said  that  Rev.  Andrew  Marshall  was  such  a  won- 
derful speaker  that  the  legislature  of  Georgia  at  one  time 
gave  him  a  hearing  in  an  entire  body.  William  Cathcart, 
in  speaking  o  fhim,  says  his  voice  was  so  deep,  sonorous, 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  295 

and  tender,  that  its  capacity  for  the  expression  of  pathos 
was  unsurpassed  ;  and  then  adds  that  he  was  endowed 
with  ready  argument  and  would  have  been  a  leader  in 
any  age  or  country.  The  late  Dr.  Joseph  T.  Roberts 
said  that  the  eloquence  of  Andrew  Marshall  in  speech 
could  not  be  told  from  the  most  refined  and  cultured 
white  man.  Rev.  Henry  Watts,  of  this  city,  is  another 
factor  to  'be  used  in  demonstrating  that  the  Negro  is  an 
orator.  This  little,  slender,  wiry-framed  man  had  a  voice 
as  clear  as  a  sea  of  glass  and  as  effective  as  the  eloquence 
of  Pericles,  and  as  powerful  as  the  sudden  cracks  of 
thunders  of  the  heavens.  It  is  said  at  times  he  soared 
to  the  loftiest  heights  of  charming  eloquence.  So  won- 
derful at  times  was  his  description  of  the  city  above  that 
his  people,  and  many  of  those  who  were  of  the  other 
race,  were  forced  to  exclaim,  What  a  man !  Rev.  T.  M. 
Robinson,  of  Macon,  is  a  man  that  few  have  power  to 
speak  as  he,  the  wonderfulness  in  humor,  wit,  and  the 
ready  flow  of  it,  clothed  with  such  eloquence  and  earnest- 
ness that  few  men  may  be  regarded  as  his  equal  as  a 
speaker.  These  men  were  mighty  men,  mighty  because 
they  were  natural  men,  mighty  because  they  spoke  as 
they  knew,  and  not  as  others.  I  am  one  of  those  men 
that  believe  in  the  development  of  men,  as  we  do  nature. 
There  is  some  part  of  nature  that  can  be  developed, 
and  some  part,  if  touched  by  human  art,  becomes  as  ugly 
as  hell  and  as  ridiculous  as  an  army  of  mosquitoes,  dressed 
in  soldiers'  uniform.  I  have  seen  men  attempt  the  im- 
provement of  springs,  of  natural  scenes  in  the  forest,  and 
the  attempt  in  nearly  every  case  has  only  proven  to  be  the 
destruction  of  their  beauty  and  naturalness.  What  hand 
can  make  more  beautiful  and  attractive  Manhattan  Island, 
the  exquisite  grandeur  of  the  verdant-covered  Alps  of 
Switzerland,  of  Niagara,  and  of  the  grand  Pyrenees  sys- 
tem. Nature  has  done  her  work  too  well  for  man  in  his 


296  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

imperfection  to  improve.  The  ax  has  been  applied  to  the 
tree,  the  knife  to  the  flower,  the  hammer  and  drill  to  the 
spring,  for  their  fuller  development,  to  array  them  with 
more  beauty ;  but  in  nearly  every  case  the  tree  has  died, 
the  flower  withered,  the  spring  has  dried  up.  How  true 
is  this  when  applied  to  the  natural  endowed  ability  of  the 
speaker.  Many  a  powerful  speaker  among  us  has  been 
made  weak  by  the  ax  of  conventionalism,  by  the  artificial 
knife  and  mechanical  art  in  speaking.  The  first  men 
never  knew  it  ;  they  spoke  from  the  heart  to  the  heart, 
unconscious  of  the  key  or  pitch  of  voice.  Men  may  be 
taught  to  move  their  hands  and  head,  and  they  may  use 
them  on  some  occasions  when  they  are  merely  formal,  but 
when  men  are  fired  from  danger  of  country,  liberty,  and 
property  by  the  hostility  of  some  invaders,  the  natural 
man  forgets  artificial  and  conventional  speaking,  and 
leaves  it  for  less  dangerous  moments.  Oratory  is  natural, 
and  the  proof  of  it  is  found  in  the  men  of  the  Negro  race, 
who  have  not  passed  under  the  polishing  stone  of  the  elo- 
cutionist. The  Negro,  as  an  orator,  speaks  with  his  mouth 
open,  with  his  eyes  open,  his  hands  open,  and  it  is  not 
long  before  all  that  hear  him  are  in  the  same  condition . 
This  was  the  character  of  Andrew  Marshall,  Henry 
Watts,  and  is  the  manner  of  T.  M.  Robinson.  Do  not 
mistake  me — I  believe  in  trained  speakers,  but  not  out  of 
their  element.  If  the  rock  is  more  attractive  and  beau- 
tiful in  the  rough,  do  not  destroy  the  beauty  by  attempt- 
ing to  improve  it.  And  these  men  I  have  mentioned  are 
and  were  more  beautiful  in  the  rough  than  they  could 
have  possibly  been  if  polished.  And  now,  as  I  proceed 
to  speak  £of  men  of  broader  erudition  and  training 
in  the  art  of  speaking,  the  same  principle,  so  far  as  the 
naturalness  of  the  orator  is  concerned,  must  be  ap- 
plied to  them  as  to  the  former,  if  they  would  be  power- 
ful and  natural  speakers.  What  has  given  Robert  El- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  297 

liott,  Richard  R.  Wright,  J,  B.  Davis,  J.  C.  Price,  Grog- 
man,  Ellis  of  Savannah,  William  E.  Holmes,  Dr.  C.  T. 
Walker,  W.  G.  Johnson,  Silas  X.  Floyd,  W.  J.  White, 
Douglas,  Bruce,  Walter  H.  Brooks,  Langston,  Booker 
Washington,  Grandison,  Cyrus  Wilkins,  Vann,  Lucy 
Laney,  Ida  B.  Wells — I  say,  what  has  given  these  men 
and  women  their  position  in  the  grand  stellary  host  of 
the  brilliant  orators  of  to-day,  but  the  same  energy, 
earnestness,  and  eloquence  that  is  found  in  Robinson, 
Watts,  and  Marshall.  Now,  in  conclusion,  hear  a  few 
extracts  from  these  men's  speeches. 

Dr.  Walker  on  the  Sunset  at  Sea : 

11  We  saw  the  sun  set,  and  as  night  put  on  her  sable 
robe,  his  light  went  down  in  the  west,  its  beautiful  rays 
lingering  and  irradiating  the  heavens  for  quite  awhile. 
Soon  after  sunset  the  new  moon  came  out  in  her  silvery 
sheen  and  stationed  herself  nearly  over  our  steamer,  and 
smiled  upon  the  sea.  The  stars  then  came  out  one  by 
one,  taking  their  places  in  their  diamond  sockets,  and 
gave  us  the  benefit  of  their  effulgent  brightness,  while 
the  mountain,  on  the  other  side,  were  covered  with  snow." 

Professor  William  E.  Holmes  on  the  Negro  Problem: 

"  There  are  three  steps.  The  first  is  to  make  solid, 
moral  progress.  I  want  our  people  to  recognize  the  fact 
that  there  is  rottenness  and  evil  in  society,  and  to  remm- 
ber  that  until  this  is  remedied  we  must  keep  our  mouths 
shut.  The  second  step  is  to  make  common  social  prog- 
ress, as  we  are  too  free  and  familiar,  though  not  wish- 
ing to  underrate  the  kindly  hospitality,  not  wishing  that 
we  should  be  social  icebergs,  yet  dignity  is  to  be  culti- 
vated. Much  that  is  called  politeness  is  downright  vul- 
garity. The  third  step  is  to  make  sound,  mental  progress. 
We  must  have  men  of  learning  that  are  broad  and  deep." 

Robert  Elliott,  in  the  house  of  Congress,  speaking  of 
the  much-honored  Alexander  Stephens,  said  : 


298  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

"I  meet  him  only  as  an  adversary,  nor  shall  age  or 
any  other  consideration  restrain  me  from  saying  that  he 
now  offers  this  government,  which  he  has  done  his  utmost 
to  destroy,  a  very  poor  return  for  its  magnanimous  treat- 
ment, to  come  here  to  seek  to  continue,  by  the  assertion 
of  doctrines  obnoxious  to  the  true  principles  of  our  gov- 
ernment, the  burdens  and  oppressions  which  rests  upon 
five  millions  of  his  countrymen,  who  never  failed  to  lift 
their  earnest  prayers  for  the  success  of  this  government, 
when  the  gentleman  was  seeking  to  break  up  the  union 
of  the  States,  and  to  blot  the  American  Republic  from 
the  galaxy  of  nations." 

And  as  I  leave  off  these  recitations  I  wish  to  make  a 
suggestion  to  the  teachers  assembled  in  this  beautiful 
city,  that  they  resolve  from  this  time  on  to  exhume 
these  dead  heroes,  patriarchs,  and  their  speeches,  and  see 
to  it  that  hereafter  the,  declamations  of  the  boys  and  girls 
under  us  in  school  shall  have  their  speeches  and  decla- 
mations made  up  of  some  one  of  the  noble  heroes,  patri- 
archs, and  orators  of  this  race.  Let  Cicero  and  Demos- 
thenes sleep  in  their  almost  mystical  graves.  Bring  about 
a  resurrection  of  Toussaint,  Elliott,  and  let  white  robes 
and  crowns  and  palms  of  victory  be  given  to  them,  and 
the  God  of  Heaven  will  break  upon  us  the  mighty  liter- 
ary millennium  of  the  Negro  race,  wherein  will  dwell  the 
beauty  and  grandeur  of  a  cultured  race.  And  old  things 
will  have  passed  away;  all  things  will  have  become  new. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  299 


THE    TO-DAY    AND    TO-MORROW    OF    THE 
COLORED  MAN. 

BY  REV.  SAMUEL  GRAVES,  D.D., 

Professor  of  Theology  in  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary. 

"  Though  ye  have  lain  among  the  pots,  yet  shall  ye  be  as  the  winers 
of  a  dove,  covered  with  silver,  and  her  feathers  with  yellow  gold.' ' 
—Psalm  68 :  13. 

The  imagery  of  the  text  is  highly  poetical  and  expres- 
sive. It  denotes  restoration  to  beauty  ;  exaltation  to 
honor ;  out  of  degradation  and  vileness.  The  Psalmist 
sees  a  bedraggled  dove,  defiled  by  the  soot  and  filth  of 
an  Eastern  inn,  hid  away  among  the  cooking  utensils. 
This  dove  is  to  be  sought  out  by  a  loving  and  gentle 
hand,  and  restored  to  the  beauty  and  freedom  native  to 
her,  and  which  have  made  the  dov.e  in  all  ages  a  symbol 
of  purity,  fleetness,  and  peace. 

So  God  had  brought  his  people  Israel  again  and 
again  out  of  the  oppressions  and  defilement  of  .the 
heathen,  among  whom  they  had  often  been  carried,  and 
had  set  them  in  honor  and  made  them  glorious  among 
the  nations  with  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  their  God  upon 
them. 

He  had  rescued  them  from  Egvptian  bondage,  from 
Midianite  and  Philistine  oppression,  from  the  captivity  in 
Babylon.  And  the  text  looks  forward,  as  many  believe, 
to  yet  unfilled  promises,  when  Israel  shall  be  again  gath- 
ered and  restored  to  the  land  which  God  gave  in  conve- 
nant  to  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob. 

And  since  the  Word  of  God,  "  as  we  read,"  is  of  no 
private  interpretation,  the  promises  herein  written  may 
be  claimed  by  all — whether  individuals,  nations,  or  races 
who  come  into  similar  relations  to  God,  which  those 
stood  in  to  whom  the  promises  were  originally  given. 


300  THE.  BLACK  SIDE. 

How  applicable  this  language  is  to  every  true  believer; 
born  as  we  all  have  been  of  a  corrupt  seed,  with  a  dam- 
aged moral  nature,  by  which  we  were  children  of  wrath, 
how  like  the  dove  in  the  text,  soiled  and  despoiled  of 
grace  and  beauty,  but  as  redeemed  and  saved  by  the 
grace  of  God,  made  glorious  in  the  righteousness  of 
Christ. 

So  too,  of  this  lost  world  in  its  alienation  from  God, 
debauched  and  defiled  by  sin,  yet  redeemed  by  Christ, 
and  yet  to  become  the  abode  of  righteousness  when  the 
new  heavens  and  the  new  earth  shall  emerge  from  the 
ruin  of  sin. 

I  wish,  however,  as  already  suggested,  to  apply  these 
words  as  in  some  sense  prophetic  of  what,  in  his  provi- 
dence, God  will  yet  do,  indeed  has  already  begun  so  sig- 
nally to  do,  for  the  colored  people  of  this  country,  and 
through  them,  of  what  he  will  ultimately  do  for  Africa. 
The  text  very  graphically  expresses  their  former  condi- 
tion. They  have  "lain  among  the  pots." 

Africa  has  well  been  called  "  The  Dark  Continent." 

For  250  years  her  wretched  sons  and  daughters  had 
been  despoiied  of  the  right  of  manhood  and  the  virtue  of 
womanhood;  bought  and  sold  and  worked  like  cattle, 

under  a of  servitude,  at cast-off  as 

an  enormity. within  these  few 

years  Africa  has  been  opened  to  the  light  of  the  gospel 
and  Christian  civilization,  and  the  nations  of  Europe  are 
parceling  it  out  among  themselves  to  conquer  and  to  col- 
onize. In  the  exaltation  of  manhood  which  this  century 
'has  brought  about,  the  colored  man  has  been  lifted  out  of 
chattlehood,  and  in  civil  rights  set  beside  his  white 
brother — a  citizen,  a  property  holder,  a  voter — an  inte- 
gral part  of  our  national  life  and  unity;  an  element  in  our 
Christian  civilization.  He  is  here,  and  here  to  remain, 
for  weal  or  for  woe  to  himself  and  to  us.  His  destiny  is 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  301 

bound  up  with  the  destiny  of  the  republic.  What  is 
good  for  him  is  good  for  the  nation;  and  what  is  ill  for 
him  is  ill  for  the  nation. 

When  emancipation  was  first  talked  of,  the  question 
which  sprung  to  thousands  of  anxious  lips  was,  "  What 
shall  we  do  with  the  Negro?"  But  the  spirit  of  Christ 
in  its  breadth  and  helpfulness,  changed  the  question,  and 
we  asked,  "  What  shall  we  do  for  the  Negro?"  The 
practical  answer  and  outcome  of  this  question  has  beenr 
by  our  own  denomination,  the  founding  of  a  score  of 
schools  for  the  education  of  both  male  and  female  pupils, 
with  equal  opportunities  and  accommodation  for  both; 
216  teachers,  4,861  pupils,  an  endowment  fund  of  $750,- 
ooo,  and  an  expenditure  since  the  war  of  $2,300,000. 
Of  the  pupils  in  those  schools  last  year,  416  were  prepar- 
ing for  the  Christian  ministry,  an  increased  number  for 
mission  work  in  districts  and  scattered  through  the  dark- 
est places  in  our  own  country,  and  others  who  are  pre- 
paring to  go  to  Africa;  1,756  were  preparing  to  teach, 
others  for  various  purposes,  or  in  their  own  language, 
"  to  make  men  and  women  of  themselves." 

In  these  schools,  I  suppose,  between  20,000  ar/d  30,- 
ooo  have  received  an  education  which  has  fitted  them 
very  well  for  the  business  and  duties  of  life. 

The  South  itself,  though  at  first  it  looked  with  disfavor 
upon  this  work,  has  become  certainly  the  most  liberal 
minded  to  appreciate  the  value  of  these  schools,  and  has 
been  stimulated  to  make  larger  provisions  for  the  colored 
people  in  the  public  schools  of  the  South. 

The  effect  of  this  has  already  been,  and  in  the  course 
of  a  generation  will  be,  of  incalculable  benefit.  It  is  in- 
spiring the  colored  man  with  self-respect,  it  is  fitting  him 
as  nothing  else  can,  for  citizenship  in  this  land  where  the 
citizen  is  the  sovereign.  Neither  the  Emancipation  Proc- 
lamation nor  the  amendments  to  the  Constitution  could 


302  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

do  this.  They  only  furnished  the  opportunity.  Chris- 
tian training,  patiently,  lovingly  pursued  through  the 
years,  alone  can  bring  these  things  to  perfection. 

Now,  we  justify  what  has  been  done  for  the  colored 
people,  and  urge  that  it  be  continued  and  enlarged  for 
the  following  reasons,  viz.:  Because,  i.  It  is  but  paying 
a  debt  which  we  owe.  We  have  had  the  well-nigh  un- 
requited toil  of  the  colored  man  for  seven  generations. 
The  wealth  of  the  country,  especially  of  the  South,  be- 
fore the  war  was  largely  due  to  him.  The  rice,  the  cot- 
ton, the  corn,  the  sugar  were  products  of  his  hand,  for 
which  in  return  he  received  little  but  the  coarsest  food 
and  clothing  and  rudest  shelter.  "  And  the  hire  of  the 
laborer  who  had  reaped  our  fields,  which  by  us  was  kept 
back,  cried  and  still  cries  in  our  ears  and  in  the  ears  of 
the  Lord  God  Sabaoth  "  for  a  full  satisfaction.  God  is 
sometimes  slow  in  settling  his  accounts,  but  in  time  they 
are  squared  with  interest.  And  this  debt  we  are  paying 
as  best  we  can  by  what  we  are  doing  for  our  creditors  by 
these  Christian  schools. 

2.  We  owe  it  to  him  because  slavery  starved  his  intel- 
lect, kept  his  moral  nature  in  degradation,  shut  up  the 
Bible  and  made  the  teachings  of  it  to  him  a  crime. 
True,  he  came  here,  or  rather  he  was  captured  and 
brought  here  a  pagan;  but  it  was  our  Christian  duty  to 
him  as  our  weaker  brother,  to  teach  him  and  enlighten 
him  for  whom  Christ  died,  as  he  did  for  us. 

We  owe  it  to  him  because  we  robbed  him  of  the  most 
precious  boon  of  life — all  that  the  dear  old  Saxon  word 
"home"  can  mean.  For  neither  his  wife  nor  his  chil- 
dren were  his  own,  marriage  itself,  the  oldest,  most 
sacred,  and  essential  institution  which  God  has  established 
for  the  welfare  of  the  race,  slavery  degraded  into  a  con- 
cubinage which  darkened  and  damned  the  life  of  the  col- 
ored man;  we  are  therefore  in  these  things  indebted  to 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  303 

this  race,  and  common  honesty  requires  us  to  pay  these 
debts  in  full,  and  with  interest.  God,  who  requires  that 
which  is  past,  yet  holds  us  responsible. 

3.  We  owe  it  to  them  as  Baptists.  One-third  of  our 
more  than  three  millions  of  Baptists  in  this  conntry  are 
among  the  colored  people.  In  their  simplicity  and  sin- 
cerity, as  in  the  days  of  slavery,  the}-  heard  the  Bible 
read  and  their  warm  and  ardent  natures  were  touched 
and  renewed  by  the  spirit  of  God.  The  way  of  obedi- 
ence was  plain.  They  did  not  know  enough,  as  some 
seem  to  have,  when  they  heard  the  Bible  read,  to  be  any- 
thing else  but  Baptists.  And  as  they  become  better 
educated  and  can  read  the  Bible  for  themselves,  it  only 
makes  them  firmer  and  more  intelligent  Baptists. 

In  Georgia  alone  there  are  reported  188,000  members, 
compressing  into  1,400  churches.  The  pastors  have,  for 
the  most  part,  been  godly  men  who  knew  Christ  and  the 
way  of  salvation,  though  with  scarcely  any  culture,  who 
yet  have  believed  and  taught  for  doctrine  many  absurd 
things.  But  the  schools  which  have  been  planted  and  so 
vigorously  worked  among  them  all  through  the  South 
since  the  war,  have  made  the  demand  for  a  very  dif- 
ferent order  of  men  as  pastors  and  teachers — men  and 
women  who  can  feed  the  open  intellect  of  the  people 
and  guide  them  into  right  ways  of  thinking. 

And  we  are  sending  out  from  our  schools  every  year 
hundreds  of  young  men  who  are  tolerably  well  fitted  to 
preach  the  gospel  intelligently  and  to  guide  the  affairs  of 
the  church  discreetly  in  receiving  members,  in  receiv- 
ing and  training  the  young.  We  send  them  out  staunch 
temperance  men,  and  they  are  doing  a  most  needed  work 
among  their  people  in  this  line. 

And  with  these  are  going  out  hundreds  of  Christian 
young  women,  many  of  whom  become  the  wives  of  these 
pastors,  who  work  faithfully  with  their  husbands,  and 


304  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

set  the  example  of  the  cultured  Christian  family  in  the 
community  where  they  settle.  And  this  is  of  the  very 
first  importance.  The  family  is  God's  institution.  It  is 
the  oldest.  It  was  meant  to  be  an  agency  even  higher 
than  the  church  for  the  training  of  the  race  in  higher  and 
nobler  living.  No  race  can  rise  higher  than  its  families. 
Pure,  virtuous,  intellectual  families  are  the  bed-rcrck  and 
bulwark  of  a  nation's  safety,  and  the  most  inspiring  and 
assured  hope  of  all  its  prosperities.  They  are  the  elec- 
tric lights  to  be  kindled  all  over  these  yet  dark  regions 
in  the  South.  Christian  homes,  Christian  churches, 
Christian  schools,  which  shall  be  fed  from  these  Chris- 
tian seminaries,  as  from  electric  plants  goes  forth  the 
subtle  fluid  that  flashes  thousands  of  lights  over  out- 
cities. 

4.  We  owe  it  to  them  on  the  ground  of  the  great 
commission,  "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature."  We  have  just  been  review- 
ing a  century  of  foreign  mission  work,  and  it  is  the 
grandest  record  of  the  ages.  There  is  scarcely  a  nation; 
race  or  tribe,  save  in  the  depths  of  Africa,  to  which  the 
gospel  has  not  been  sent.  God  be  praised!  But  here 
right  at  home,  in  darkest  America,  in  what  is  known  as 
the  Black  Belt,  and  bordering  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
are  thousands  of  colored  families  in  which  scarce  a  ray 
of  light  from  these  Christian  schools  has  shone,  as  igno- 
rant and  superstitious  and  vicious,  and  in  circumstances 
even  more  appalling  than  when  .Lincoln's  proclamation 
brought  hope  and  freedom  to  the  race. 

We  know  how  hard  it  is  to  lift  men  and  women  out  of 
such  a  state;  how  impossible  it  is  to  grow  virtue  in  such 
a  soil;  to  build  the  granite  columns  of  manhood,  the 
delicate  shafts  of  pure,  chaste  womanhood,  on  such  a 
morass  as  this.  How  discouraging,  how  impossible. 
But  there  is  a  subsoil,  we  believe,  even  underneath  such 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  305 

bogs  as  these,  which,  concreted  with  the  gospel  and  the 
grace  of  God,  will  make  bed-rock,  and  we  are  going  to 
find  it,  deep  down  as  it  lies,  and  build  on  it  the  kingdom 
of  God  and  the  beautiful  and  abiding  structure  of  Chris- 
tian homes,  with  the  integrities  that  strengthen  and  the 
virtues  that  adorn  life. 

Again,  we  owe  it  to  ourselves,  as  a  safeguard  to  the 
nation.  The  Negro  problem  was  not  solved  by  the  war. 
The  war,  for  the  time,  only  complicated  it.  Lincoln's 
proclamation  and  the  fourteenth  amendment  have  not 
settled  it.  It  still  confronts  us  with  the  face  of  a  sphinx. 

This  problem  has,|in  the  providence  of  God,  been  put 
upon  us  to  solve.  Have  we  the  wisdom,  the  pajdence, 
the  patriotism,  the  perseverance,  the  large-minded  Chris- 
tian helpfulness,  to  find  and  work  out  the  solution?  This 
is  one  and  not  the  least  of  these  great  issues  that  con- 
front us  to-day.  The  labor,  the  drink,  and  the  race  ques- 
tions, how  are  we  going  to  meet  them? 

In  the  ignorance  and  the  vices  which  the  colored  man 
brought  out  of  slavery,  we  have  a  perpetual  menace  to 
our  free  institutions  which  we  know  have  their  bottom 
safety,  not  in  the  wealth  and  enterprise  of  our  people — 
to  which  such  magnificent  temples  are  being  built,  as  the 
gods  of  this  nation — but  in  the  intelligence  and  virtue 
and  godliness  of  the  citizen;  not  of  a  class,  but  of  the 
people  as  a  whole. 

The  danger  which  threatens  us  to-day,  as  every  think- 
ing man  knows,  is  an  ignorant,  irresponsible  ballot,  and 
the  unprincipled  recklessness  with  which  it  is  used, 
coupled  with  the  congested  wealth  of  our  rapidly  in- 
creasing millionaires. 

We  have  not  yet  passed  the  experimental  period  of  our 
free  institutions.  Can  they  bear,  without  breaking 
down,  these  enormous  strains? 

20 


306  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

What  labor  and  capital  have  alike  most  to  fear  are  the 
ignorance  and  vice  and  cupidity  that  can  be  marshalled 
by  demagogues  at  the  polls,  to  annul  the  will  of  the  up- 
right, intelligent  citizens  of  the  land. 

And  no  use  of  money  can  be  more  judiciously  or  re- 
muneratively made  in  this  generation  than  that  which 
will  carry  intelligence  and  virtue,  and  the  thrift,  content- 
ment and  safety  which  these  beget,  into  the  homes  of 
ignorance  and  vice,  and  there  build  up  true,  responsible,, 
self-respecting,  self-directing  man  and  womanhood. 

Again,  a  solid  white  South  against  a  solid  black  South  r 
which  the  late  Mr.  Grady  and  his  followers  would  bring 
about,  has  in  it  the  germs  of  a  race  war,  as  do  also  the 
obstructions  put  in  the  way  of  colored  voters,  the  threats 
and  actual  violence  used  to  prevent  their  voting — which 
tend  to  the  same  end.  And  yet  it  is  true  that  large  num- 
bers of  colored  voters  are  not  competent  to  cast  an  intel- 
ligent vote  as  are  thousands  of  ignorant  foreigners  in  the 
North  who  are  rushed  into  citizenship.  It  might  greatly 
help  to  solve  this  race  problem  if  some  change  could  be 
effected  in  politics  that  would  divide  the  white  and  the 
colored  voters  into  something  like  equality.  But  that 
may  be  long  in  coming.  Now  our  schools  are  fitting  the 
colored  man,  as  nothing  else  can,  for  intelligent  citizen- 
ship. The  pupil  is  taught  not  only  his  rights — he  knows 
them  already — but  patience  and  self-restraint,  and  to  de- 
serve his  rights,  though  for  the  present  he  be  deprived  of 
them.  He  is  taught  economy,  thrift,  to  acquire  property,, 
to  get  homes;  a  better  mode  of  [living;  these  homely  but 
necessary  virtues.  Piety,  intelligence,  thrift,  are  the 
trinity  which  is  to  lift  them  to  the  level  of  true  man  and 
womanhood.  And  so  our  work  is  rounding  out  our  pu- 
pils, if  we  can  keep  them  long  enough,  in  all  these  best 
qualities  of  citizenship. 

Let  this  work  go  on,  as  it  has  for  the  last  twenty  years, 


.  THE  BLACK  SIDE.  307 

and  the  colored  vote  may  yet  save  the  country  from  the 
anarchy  which  socialism  and  communism,  allied  to  vice 
and  ignorance  and  discontent,  are  to-day  threatening  us 
with,  and  which  come  largely  also  from  our  foreign  pop- 
ulation. 

There  is  another  danger  which  many  far-sighted  among 
us  apprehend,  and  of  which  now  and  then  we  may  see  the 
danger  signal,  and  what  recent  and  very  adroit  but  sus- 
picious movement  too  plainly  indicated,  viz.:  Romanism, 
as  a  combined  political  power.  Those  who  have  studied 
the  matter  know  very  well  that  Rome  has  always  carried 
her  religion  into  her  politics.  Her  old-time  dogma,  from 
which  she  has  never  receded  since  the  days  of  Hilder- 
brand,  that  the  civil  power  is  subject  to  the  spiritual;  that 
the  Pope  of  right  shall  dominate  kingdoms  and  cabinets 
and  presidents;  and  that  all  she  calls  heresy  must  be  put 
down  where  she  bears  rule.  And  Rome  counts  nothing 
so  great  and  dangerous  a  heresy  as  free  religious  thought^ 

If  some  issue  which  wily  Jesuitism  may  yet  bring 
upon  us,  the  colored  vote,  I  believe,  would  be  a  unit  against 
it.  You  cannot  well  make  a  Roman  Catholic  of  the 
Negro.  He  does  not  want  any  priest  or  proxy  to  come 
between  him  and  Christ.  He  wants  to  go  himself  to 
headquarters.  And»who  knows  but  God  is  raising  up  in 
the  South  among  these  despised  men  of  color,  whose 
fathers  and  mothers  we  are  to-day  teaching,  a  power  by 
which  he  will  yet  save  this  nation  from  perils,  even  greater 
than  that  of  the  rebellion,  out  of  which,  as  a  civil  power, 
they  have  come.  And  whose  prayers,  from  lowly  cabins 
and  forest  glens,  did  as  much  in  the  great  hour  of  our 
country's  need  to  save  it  as  did  the  statesmanship  of  Lin- 
coln or  the  canons  of  Grant ;  nay,  were  rather  the  back- 
lying  forces  which,  in  the  providence  of  God,  gave  effi- 
ciency to  all  these.  And  so  it  seems  to  me  that  God 
may  be  providing  a  reserve  force  to  meet  any  such  like 


308  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

emergency  that  may  hereafter  rise  in  the  unfoldings  of 
our  national  life. 

The  colored  man  is  American  born  ;  his  home  is  here, 
and  he  loves  it.  He  is  tractable  and  responsive  to  the 
highest  and  best  influences.  He  is  naturally  religious. 
According  to  the  last  census,  one  in  three  of  every  col- 
ored citizen  is  a  church  member.  He  is  loyal,  as  was  so 
remarkably  seen  in  his  fidelity  to  his  master's  family  dur- 
ing the  war.  Any  other  race  would  have  mutinied  under 
a  like  crisis.  He  has  in  him  the  quality  of  true  courage, 
as  was  seen  when  our  colored  troops  met  with  such  hero- 
ism the  shock  of  battle. 

And  one  may  see  in  these  traits,  when  redeemed  and 
rectified  from  the  harms  of  slavery,  a  justification  for  the 
hopes  I  have  spoken  of,  both  for  himself  and  for  the 
country. 

Never  in  the  history  of  civilization  has  a  race  so  long 
in  servitude  made  such  strides  in  all  direction  of  progress 
as  the  colored  people  in  these  last  thirty  years.  It  is  the 
wonder  of  the  world,  and  will  so  be  recorded  by  the  pen 
of  history.  It  was  four  hundred  years  after  the  exodus 
from  Egypt  before  the  Israelites  had  established  a  perma- 
nent government.  Have  not  the  wings  of  the  soiled  dove 
been  growing  white  like  silver,  and  her  feathers  like  as 
pure  gold?  * 

The  work,  therefore,  which  we  are  doing  in  the  South, 
by  the  aid  so  largely  of  Northen  sympathies  and  help,  is 
paying  a  debt  which  before  God  we  sacredly  owe  the 
colored  man;  is  averting,  I  believe,  a  great  peril;  is  build- 
ing, I  seem  to  see,  a  bulwark  for  the  nation  against  dan- 
gers which  threaten  its  highest  well-being,  if  not  its  very 
existence,  when  times  of  coming  peril  may  hereafter 
arise.  It  is  caring,  as  we  are  bound  to  do,  for  our  own 
denomination.  While  we  are  building  such  universities 
as  Chicago  in  the  North  for  our  people,  we  are  not  for- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  309 

getting  the  wants  that  appeal  to  us  from  the  South.  And 
finally,  but  more  important,  it  may  be,  than  all,  we  are 
doing  in  these  Christian  schools  in  the  South  what  will 
have  a  direct  and  vital  bearing  upon  the  redemption  and 
Christian  civilization  of  the  continenfof  Africa. 

The  belief  grows  upon  me  that  in  the  providence  of 
God  the  colored  people  in  this  country  are  the  agents 
which  he  has  chosen  and  is  preparing  for  this  great  and 
final  missionary  work.  What  agency  seems  so  fitted  by 
nature  to  do  this  work?  The  colored  man  is  of  the  same 
race,  and  race  affinities  are  verv  strong.  He  will  en- 
counter no  such  prejudices  as  the  white  man.  He  can 
endure  the  climate,  and  his  sympathies  draw  him  to  the 
"fatherland."  In  this  view  may  we  not-  see  the  hand  of 
God  in  this  matter?  And  it  is  always  safe,  nay,  more 
than  safe,  always  sure  of  successi — ndeed,  success  is  won 
in  no  other  way  than  along  the  line  in  which  God's  provi- 
dence moves.  Find  these,  follow  these,  and  you  cannot 
fail,  whatever  obstacle  you  may  encounter. 

1  do  not  pose  as  a  prophet,  but  I  believe  with  all  my 
heart  there  are  possibilities  in  the  colored  race  which  God 
means  to  develop  and  use  in  giving  to  the  world  a  better 
type  of  civilization  than  we,  the  Anglo-Saxons,  have 
wrought  out. 

There  is  a  skeptical  drift  in  the  Anglo-Saxon  mind 
which  needs  to  be  corrected  by  a  deeper  and  more  ear- 
nest faith,  a  faith  which  seems  native  to  the  colored  race, 
in  order  to  give  to  our  common  Christianity,  and  the  civ- 
ilization based  upon  it,  their  best  and  fullest  development. 
Christianity,  while  world-wide  in  its  adaptations,  is  yet 
Eastern  in  its  origin,  and  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  East- 
ern mind  and  modes  of  thought ;  and  the  colored  races 
are  natives  of  the  East.  And  further,  there  is  a  rough, 
overbearing,  domineering  quality  in  the  white  races  that 
we  have  inherited  from  our  old  Saxon  ancestors,  which 


310  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

has  done  service  through  the  past  ages  in  conquering  the 
savagery  of  nature  and  bringing  its  forces  into  the  service 
of  man.  This  needs  to  be  toned  down  and  rendered  more 
amiable  and  catholic  and  kingly  before  we  shall  realize 
that  condition  of  society  which  the  gospel  of  Christ 
points  to,  and  for  which  the  best  aspirations  of  the  human 
heart  yearn;  I  mean  the  brotherhood  of  man. 

And  so  I  believe.  I  hope  in  "the  good  time  coming," 
when  these  prejudices  against  the  colored  man  will  pass 
away  with  his  ignorance  and  vices;  when  the  white  man 
and  his  black  brother — the  Saxon  and  the  Negro,  the 
Aryan  and  mongrel— will  stand  side  by  side,  each  bringing 
of  his  own  peculiar  gifts  of  heart  and  brain,  to  work  in 
loving  rivalries  towards  the  realization  of  the  kingdom  of 
God  on  earth. 

But  we  must  be  patient  and  remember  that  "one  day 
is  with  the  Lord  as  a  thousand  years.  Nations  are  of 
slow  growth.  It  took  five  hundred  years  after  the  bond- 
age in  Egypt  to  rear  a  Jew  of  Solomon's  time,  and  as 
long  to  rear  a  Greek  of  Pericles'  time;  seven  hundred 
years  to  make  a  Roman  of  the  Augustine  age,  and  a 
thousand  years  to  build  an  Englishman,  an  Anglo-Amer- 
ican of  to-day.  And  what  may  five  hundred,  nay,  half 
that  time  do,  when  the  world  is  moving  so  much  faster 
than  of  old,  for  the  colored  man  and  the  black  races  of 
the  East,  if  they  but  have  the  chance,  and  we  but  do  our 
duty  toward  them,  and  whose  day  seems  to  be  dawning, 
or  perhaps  returning  after  a  cycle  of  four  thousand  years, 
when  Egypt  taught  Greece  her  letters  and  was  the  leader 
of  the  world's  thought. 

And  this  confidence  is  strengthened  in  my  own  mind 
by.  such  a  series  of  manifest  providences  of  God  as  are 
circling  around  and  centering  upon  him.  Mark  you, 
God  suffered  the  violence  and  cupidity  of  the  slave-dealer 
to  bring  him  to  this  land.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  years 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  311 

of  slavery,  with  its  crimes  against  humanity  and  heaven, 
was,  after  all,  an  uplift  from  the  savagery  of  Africa.  He 
learned  of  the  true  God,  the  way  of  salvation ;  and  crude 
as  his  notions  were,  the  light  of  these  truths  took  hold  of 
his  deeply  religious  nature,  while  the  wrongs  he  suffered 
drove  him  more  and  more  to  God  as  the  hope  and  refuge 
of  the  oppressed.  This  rough  discipline  was  God's 
school  in  which  he  learned  the  alphabet  of  trust  and  the 
rudiments  of  something  higher. 

And-then,  when  Livingstone  was  finishing  his  sacrificial 
work  for  Africa,  and  was  dying  on  his  knees  by  her  great 
lakes,  and  our  own  Stanley  was  making  ready  for  the 
bold  adventures  which  brought  Africa  into  the  sympa- 
pathies  of  other  nations,  and  laid  bare  the  arteries  of  her 
great  central  valley,  with  its  five  thousand  miles  of  navi 
gable  rivers,  God  snapped,  by  the  bolt  of  war,  the  fetters 
of  the  black  man  and  made  him  a  free  citizen  of  this,  the 
most  Christian  nation  on  earth. 

And  then  what?  In  line  with  the  same  providence,  God 
moved  the  heart  of  the  great  North  to  found  and  furnish 
these  Christian  schools,  and  by  a  marvelous  enthusiasm 
to  bring  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  of  colored 
youth  into  them,  where,  under  able  and  godly  teachers, 
they  are  being  trained  for  leadership  among  their  people 
here  at  home.  And  more,  is  calling  some  of  the  noblest 
of  them  to  go  back  to  the  fatherland  with  the  Gospel 
which  builds  civilization  and  saves  men.  Does  not  this 
look  like  God's  work?  What  else,  pray,  can  it  be? 

And  what  can  be  plainer  in  the  light  of  these  provi- 
dences, and  in  the  direction  in  which  they  have  been  mov- 
ing for  the  last  thirty  years,  than  that  God  intends — and 
has  been  ripening  events  for  it — that  the  colored  Chris- 
tians of  America  should  become  the  regenerators  of 
Africa,  and  carry  their  own  English  tongue,  born  of  the 
Bible,  as  no  other  speech  on  earth  has  been,  and  to  plant 


312  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

* 

there  very  largely  the  Christian  faith  and  church  as  we 
Baptists  hold  them,  in  their  New  Testament  simplicity 
and  spirituality,  and  so  make  Africa  largely  a  Baptist 
continent? 

The  spirit  of  mission  to  Africa  is  in  our  schools  in  the 
South.  Already  a  number  have  gone'  there,  and  are 
doing  excellent  service.  Choice  young  men  and  women 
from  Africa  are  being  sent  by  our  missionaries  there  to 
be  educated  in  this  country  and  to  return. 

Who  knows  but  that  in  the  rapidity  with  which  the 
world  is  now  moving,  there  may  be,  by  the  close  of  the 
twentieth  century,  a  civilization  on  the  banks  of  the  Congo 
which  shall  command  the  respect  of  the  world,  and  em- 
body the  best  elements  of  that  upon  the  Thames  and  the 
Potomac?  It  is  like  God  to  work  in  just  this  way. 
"Though  thou  hast  lain  with  the  pots,  yet  shall  ye  be  as 
the  wings  of  a  dove." 

And  now  further  to  show  what  the  to-day  of  the  col- 
ored man  promises  for  his  to-morrow,  let  me  quote  a  pas- 
sage from  a  recent  number  of  the  North  American  Review. 

A  Southern  man,  writing  on  the  Negro  Question,  has 
used  these  words,  which  the  reviewer  takes  for  his  text: 
"The  Negro  has  made  no  progress  since  the  emancipa- 
tion, not  because  he  was  a  siave,  but  because  he  has  not 
the  faculty  to  rise  above  slavery.  Twenty-seven  years 
have  gone  since  the  war,and  the  Negro  is  the  barber,  the 
boot-black,  the  hotel  waiter.  Here  and  there  a  lawyer, 
now  and  then  a  doctor.  There  used  to  be  good  mechanics 
among  them  in  slavery  times.  Where  are  they  now?" 

In  reply  to  this,  says  the  reviewer:  "Twenty-seven 
years  ago,  forbidden  by  law  to  read,  without  a  school; 
to-day,  25,530  schools.  Then,  not  a  child  in  school;  now, 
2,250,000  have  learned  to  read,  and  most  of  them  to 
write;  while  according  to  the  census  of  1890,  there  are 
now  in  colored  schools  238,229  pupils.  Twenty-seven 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  313 

years  ago  a  negro  school-teacher  would  have  been  a 
curiosity;  to-day,  by  the  grace  of  God  and  their  own  grit, 
there  are  20,000.  Twenty-seven  years  ago  it  was  thought 
that  the  colored  man  was  incapable  of  higher  education; 
to-day  they  have  iSo^schools  of  advanced  education. 
Among  these  are  seven  colleges,  presided  over  by  col- 
ored men,  three  of  whom  were  slaves  twenty-seven  years 
ago.  And  what  was  the  colored  ministry?  Now  there 
are  1,000  college-bred  Negro  pastors  in  the  land.  Twenty- 
seven  years  ago  there  were  two  newspapers  edited  by 
colored  men;  to-day,  154.  Then  there  were  two  negro 
attorneys;  now,  160.  Then,  three  doctors;  now,  749 
And  mark,  247  colored  students  in  the  universities  of 
Europe." 

Look  now  at  the  question  of  accumulating  property. 
Twenty-seven  years  ago  the  entire  taxable  property  of 
the  Negro  was  $12,000;  to-day  it  is  $264,000,000.  And 
a  change  like  this  has  taken  place  in  twenty-seven  years, 
and  very  largely  by  our  schools  which  have  so  stimulated 
the  aptitudes  and  energies  and  economies  of  the  colored 
people.  Now,  in  view  of  these  showings,  have  not  the 
wings  of  the  soiled  and  bedraggled  dove  "grown  white 
with  silver  and  her  feathers  yellow  with  gold?" 

These  are  the  things  I  preach  to  our  friends  in  the 
North,  and  I  bring  them  to  you,  young  men  and  women, 
for  your  encouragement  and  inspiration  in  your  noble  pur- 
pose to  make  the  most  of  yourselves,  and  to  look  faith- 
fully to  the  same  end  among  your  people.  Be  true  to 
youselves  by  becoming  Christians,  for  unless  you  do,  you 
will  still  lack  the  best  and  highest  qualities  of  manhood 
and  womanhood;  and  then  consecrate  all  you  have  and 
are  to  the  service  of  God  and  your  fellowmen. 


314  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

"ALL    THINGS    WORK    TOGETHER  FOR 
GOOD." 

BY  DEACON   NICK  HOLMES, 
At  the  Pastor's  Twelfth  Anniversary  of  Friendship  Baptist  Church- 

From  the  shoemaker's  trade  to  the  pulpit,  with  which 
trade  he  supported  his  mother  and  other  children  for  a 
number  of  years,  their  father  being  dead. 

When  converted  he  joined  Hill's  Baptist  Church  at 
Athens,  Ga.,  and  felt  that  he  was  called  to  the  ministry. 
He  was  licensed  and  served  the  above  named  church  as 
a  deacon. 

Seeing  that  he  could  not  prosecute  work  without  an 
education  he  decided  to  make  the  sacrifice  to  come  to 
Atlanta  and  attend  the  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary.  With- 
out visible  means  of  support,  he  entered  school  almost 
without  any  money  at  all.  In  1882  he  was  called  to  the 
pastorate  of  Friendship  Baptist  Church.  Here  he  found 
a  debt  against  the  church  of  $2,500,  and  a  number  of 
minor  debts  too  numerous  to  be  mentioned.  The  debts 
were  canceled  in  about  eighteen  months.  Then  came 
the  remodeling  of  the  church,  floor  raised,  new  pews,  gas 
fixtures,  reslating  of  the  house,  which  cost  about  $3,000. 
When  all  this  was  paid  we  had  a  jubilee  meeting,  re- 
joicing over  the  great  victory  that  we  had  achieved. 

In  1885  came  the  great  prohibition  fight  against  the 
great  monster  alcohol,  to  which  he  rose  in  the  scales  of 
eminence  as  a  speaker  second  to  none  in  the  campaign, 
and  thus  he  continued.  At  different  places  in  the  State 
he  was  called  to  speak  against  the  monster  king  alcohol, 
and  in  Virginia  and  other  places  as  a  speaker  and  pulpit 
orator. 

There  are  few  that  are  able  to  compete  with  him. 
Some  men  are  born  for  great  things,  and  some  are  born 
for  small  things.  And  it  is  not  written  why  some 
men  are  born  at  all,  but  "  all  things  work  together  for 
good." 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  315 


R.  B.  FERRELL, 

CONTRACTOR   MECHANIC,   HOUSE  BUILDER. 

Few  men  in  the  city  of  Atlanta,  on  account  of  their 
skill  in  the  line  of  professions  which  they  follow,  demand 
more  respect  and  credit  than  Mr.  Ferrell. 

His  sober  habits  and  promptness,  and  the  manner  in 
which  he  turns  off  all  the  work  which  he  contracts  to  do, 
together  with  the  great  satisfaction  which  his  work  gives, 
has  brought  to  him  eminence  in  his  business  and  a  wide 
and  lucrative  field  in  which  to  labor.  Doubtless  no  young 
man  among  the  colored  citizens  of  Atlanta  has  overcome 
more,  gone  through  more  to  gain  recognition  in  the 
city  than  Mr.  Ferrell.  He  is  one  of  those  young  men 
who  believes  that  "  if  the  will  not  is  removed,  the  cannots 
will  slip  loose  like  a  bowknot."  In  other  words,  Mi. 
Ferrell  is  one  of  those  men  that  does  not  wait  for  some- 
thing to  "  turn  up,"  but  is  constantly  turning  something 
up. 

On  many  of  the  beautiful  hills  and  planes  of  this  great 
city  stands  many  a  beautiful  cottage  spun  from  the  ar- 
chitectural plans  drawn  and  prosecuted  by  himself,  which 
is  a  lasting  illustration  and  recommendation  to  him  as  a 
mechanic. 

i  Mr.  Ferrell,  like  the  most  of  the  young  men  of  his 
race,  being  surrounded  with  many  hardships  and  priva- 
tions of  life,  had  but  little  opportunity  for  obtaining  an 
education.  He  entered  Storr's  school  when  he  was  at 
the  age  of  fourteen,  and  remained  until  he  was  seventeen. 
He  was,  on  account  of  the  poverty  of  his  father,  com- 
pelled to  stop  school.  His  father,  being  a  carpenter  by 
trade,  took  him  in  the  shop  with  him,  where  he  learned 
his  first  lessons  in  house-building.  By  his  aptness  he 
was  soon  made  an  acceptable  workman. 


316  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

In  1891  he  married  Miss  Minnie  Strong,  a  very  pleas- 
ant, genial,  and  economical  woman,  to  whom  he  attributes 
the  success  that  he  has  made  in  life. 

Mr.  Ferrell  owns  some  very  valuable  property  in  the 
city,  from  which  he  gathers  a  very  satisfactory  income, 
besides  a  very  beautiful  cottage  home,  neatly  furnished 
with  those  things  which  make  a  home  comfortable, 
pleasant,  and  cosy,  of  which  his  affable  wife  is  queen. 

Mr.  Robert  Ferrell  was  born  in  Macon  county,  Ala., 
in  the  year  1850.  Soon  after  his  advent  into  this  life 
his  parents  came  to  Atlanta,  bringing  their  infant  son  with 
them,  where  he  has  resided  ever  since. 

Since  his  coming  here,  the  facts  in  this  sketch  are  the 
fruits  of  his  labor.  Mr.  Ferrell  is  a  man  of  strong 
Christian  character,  great  charity,  warm-hearted,  and  of 
a  pleasing  and  generous  impulse.  It  might  be  said  of 
him  that  he  allows  no  opportunity  to  escape  for  doing 
good. 


REV.  JOSEPH  CONYERS. 

A  PREACHER— FIKST-CLASS  BRICKMASON. 

This  character  springs  into  life  in  Carroll  county,  of 
Georgia,  at  Sandhill  postoffice,  in  1852.  At  four  years 
of  age  he  was  carried  by  his  mother  to  Haralson  county, 
where  he  remained  until  emancipation.  He  then  returned 
to  Carrollton  and  worked  on  the  railroad  for  some  con- 
siderable time. 

Feeling  the  roughness  which  came  to  him  in  this  class 
of  labor,  he  was  determined  to  find  something  that  was 
more  elevating,  and  in  1868  he  went  to  Macon,  Georgia, 
where  he  engaged  in  a  small  business,  such  as  young  men 
make  for  themselves  with  a  small  capital. 


THE  BLACK  SIDE.  317 

It  was  at  this  place  that  he  was  converted  and  made  a 
profession  in  Christ,  and  was  baptized  by  Rev.  William 
Plant. 

In  1870  he  came  to  the  city  of  Atlanta  without  any- 
thing. On  arriving  here  he  became  acquainted  with  Mr. 
Felix  Sours,  who  was  a  brickmason,  under  whom  he 
went  to  work  as  an  apprentice  for  the  brickmason  trade. 
Being  very  apt  and  industrious,  he  soon  became  very 
efficient.  His  treatment  by  Mr.  Sours  was  so  bad,  and  he 
now  being  able  to  pilot  his  own  way,  he  leaves  Mr  Sours, 
who  was  paying  him  seventy-five  cents  a  day,  and  estab- 
lishes a  business  of  his  own.  He  had  large  contracts 
given  to  him,  which  were  completed  with  satisfaction  to 
those  who  granted  them,  and  with  credit  to  himself. 

He  was  a  poor  boy,  brought  *up  without  many  of  the 
advantages  that  other  boys  had  for  education,  having  the 
greater  part  of  his  juvenile  life  the  responsibility  of  look- 
ing after  the  smaller  brothers  and  sisters,  who  were  in 
early  life  with  himself,  bereft  of  the  care,  love  and  tender 
instruction  of  a  mother  ;  nevertheless,  with  whatever 
embarrassments  or  disadvantages,  he  was  determined 
to  push  ahead  and  make  the  most  of  himself 

In  1879  he  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  of  the 
Son  of  God  by  Rev.  Frank  Quarles,  the  pastor  of  Friend- 
ship Baptist  Church,  in  the  city  of  Atlanta.  At  this  pe- 
riod he  began  to  feel  more  than  ever  the  need  of  educa- 
tion. Accordingly  in  1879  wnen  the  Atlanta  Baptist 
Seminary  was  opened  in  the  city  of  Atlanta,  he  enrolled 
himself  as  one  of  its  pupils,  and  studied  here  for  three  or 
four  years  under  Rev.  Joseph  T.  Roberts,  D.D.,  LL.D. 
Mr.  Conyers  had  now  come  to  better  days  in  his  life. 
His  hardships,  in  a  great  meusure  were,  were  now  over, 
and  he  was  able  to  live  very  pleasantly  and  comfortably. 
In  1871  he  was  married  to  Miss  Alice  Collier,  a  very 


318  THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

thoroughgoing,  industrious,  refined,  and  economical  lady 
to  whom  Mr.  Conyers,  in  the  kindest  words,  attributes 
all  that  he  has  been  able  to  accomplish, 

He  owns  in  the  city  of  Atlanta  some  two  or  three  lots 
with  houses,  to  the  amount  of  eight  thousand  dollars 
($8,000.00),  all  of  which  he  has  accumulated  and  saved 
put  of  his  hard  labors. 

In  1886  he  was  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry  by 
present  pastor  of  Friendship  Baptist  Church,  Rev.  E.  R. 
Carter,  the  author  of  this  book.  Since  that  day  he  has 
served  the  First  Baptist  Church,  at  Acworth,  Ga.,  for 
three  years,  and  was  an  active  worker  and  teacher  in  his 
own  church  from  which  he  received  his  ordination.  In 
1887  he  moved  to  Chattanooga,  Tenn,,  with  his  industri- 
ous wife.  He  has  been  able  to  accumulate  a  very  pleas- 
ant amount  of  property  at  this  place,  working  with  the 
trowel  and  hammer  in  the  week  days  and  preaching  the 
gospel  on  Sunday,  when  the  B  Street  church  was  with- 
out a  pastor,  Rev.  Conyers  supplied  the  pulpit  for  three 
months.  He  was  also  pastor  of  the  Prpeville  Baptist 
Church,  Tennessee,  for  two  years. 

We  can  see  at  this  point  of  Mr.  Conyers'  life  that 
through  the  varied  scenes  whicn  he  has  passed,  he  has 
eaten  no  idle  bread.  Since  the  day  that  he  arrived  at 
Chattanooga  he  has  been  able  to  accumulate  enough  to 
purchase  one  of  the  finest  lots  in  the  city  of  Chattanooga  t 
on  which  he^has  built  a  most  elegant,  commanding  and 
stately  building,  which  will  compare  favorably  to  any 
business  house  in  the  city.  It  lifts  itself  three  stories, 
with  four  store  rooms  on  the  first  floor  and  eighteen 
rooms  on  the  second  floor,  and  an  elegant  hall  on  the 
third  floor. 

This  building  is  very  tastefully  trimmed  with  .marble 
and  is  built  of'pressedj  brick,  and  is  valued  at  five  thou- 


THE  BLACK  SIDE. 

sand  dollars,  making  the  property  of  Mr.  Conyers  in  the 
city  of  Atlanta  and  Chattanooga  all  worth  forty  ($40,000) 
thousand  dollars,  all  of  which  is  contributed  to  the  in- 
dustry of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Conyers'  economical  and  saving 
characteristics.  These  two  are  a  happy  pair  of  noble 
Christians  and  generous-hearted  citizens. 


INDEX. 


Chapter      I Page      II 

II  ....  14 

III....  ..16 

IV....  17 

V  ....  "         20 

The  Good  Samaritan  Order 25 

The  Spelman  Seminary 28 

The  Carrie  Steel  Orphan  Home 35 

Rev.  N.  J.  Jones,  Protective  Association .* 38 

The  West  Atlanta  W.  C.  T.  U , 43 

The  Morris  Brown  College , .  45 

The  St.  James  Lodge  No.  1455 50 

The  Atlanta  Baptist  Seminary • 52 

The  Protective  Association  No.  3 .  55 

The  Mt.  Zion  Baptist  Church 57 

Col,  F.  H.  Crumbly .60 

Hon.  J.  Robert  Davis 64 

Miss  Hattie  M.  Sturdivant 66 

Rev.  Robert  L.  Darden 67 

Mr.  William  C.  Rosette 70 

Mr.  Augustus  Thompson,  F.L.T.,  M.V.P 71 

Rev.  William  Finch 74 

Mr.  Frank.  T.  Howard  . .  .  . : 77 

Rev.  M.  V.  White 7& 

Rev.  William  H.  Tuggle 80 

Rev.  Rufus  H.  Houston 82 

Rev.  Isaac  R.  Hall 84 

Rev.  R.  H.  Burson 85 

Rev.  Thomas  H.  Dorsey 87 

Rev.  Henry  White ' :  89- 

Rev.  J.  C.  Beaver 90 

Rev.  J.  B.  Davis 91 

Rev.  D.  S.  Klugh 94 

Rev.  Cyrus  Brown 96 

Rev.  W.  L.  Jones* 98 

MissM.  B.Johnson..                                                                           .  101 


322  INEDX. 

Rev.  Silas  Smith 103 

Rev.  W.  D.  Johnson 104 

Rev.  A.  B.  Murden 109 

Rev.  R.  T.  Shell 114 

Rev.  M.  C.  B.  Mason,  A.M.,  B.D.,  D.D 117 

Mr.  H.  A.  Hagler % 118 

Professor  W.  H.  Crbgman,  A.M ' 122 

Mrs.  Victoria  Maddox  Simmons 126 

A.  0.  Lockhart,  M.D 128 

Trwin  W.  Hayes,  M.D 130 

Moses  Amos 133 

Thomas  Heathe  Slater,  M.D 134 

H.  R.  Butler,  A.B.,  M.D 1S7 

Edward  J.  Turner 138 

W.  H.  Landrum 140 

John  T.  Shell 141 

Thos.  Lyman 144 

James  C.  Odoin 145 

Peter  F.  Hogan 146 

Lewis  H.  Cox 148 

J.  W.  Cox 150 

Green  W.  Wilson 151 

Morgan  McNair 1 52 

John  A.  Tremble 154 

John  Oliver  Ross 155 

Cornelius  King , 157 

William  A.  Allen 162 

G.  H.  Farmer 163 

Julius  Alexander 164 

Thomas  Goosby 166 

F.  G.  Snelson 167 

James  Lee  Honeywell 172 

Elijah  R.  Graves 1 75 

D.  L.  Anderson 177 

Captain  Jackson  McHenry , 178 

Frederick  L.  Carlton 180 

John  W.  Williams '. 184 

David  W.  By  an 186 

Robert  Steel , 187 

James  W.  Palmer 189 

J.  0.  Connally 190 

Landy  Embree 192 

Willis  Smith . . 194 

Walter  A.  Wright,  Jr ,. 196 

G.  W.  Hatsfield..  .  198 


INDEX.  323 

€.  W.  rJ*homas 199 

Aaron  Perry 201 

James  Simonton 203 

Felix  Brown 205 

Alexander  Hamilton 207 

Rev.  J.  B.  Borders 208 

Joshua  Sharp 210 

W.  A.  Harris 212 

Professor  W.  E.  Holmes,  A.M 213 

Mt.  Olive  Baptist  Church 215 

Ella  P.  Wilson 217 

Reed  Street  Baptist  Church 218 

The  Pastor  of  Big  Bethel  A.  M.  E.  Church 220 

Gray  Street  School 224 

G.  M.  Howell 227 

Robert  B.  Brightwell 230 

Gate  City  School 232 

Mrs.  Obedia  C.  B.  Carter 236 

Mitchell  Street  School 239 

Bethel  Baptist  Church 341 

The  First  Baptist  Church 243 

Wheat  Street  Baptist  Church 246 

Paper  by  Miss  N.  E.  Crawford 253 

The  Author's  Ability  as  a  Preacher,  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Davis 258 

As  I  Have  Seen  Him,  by  Professor  W.  E.  Holmes 263 

His  Ability  as  a  Hero  In  the  Temperance  Cause,  by  Lewis  H.  Cox.  '265 

A  Purpose  and  Will,  by  Miss  Virginia  Dozier 268 

Positiveness  of  Speech,  by  Mrs.  A.  Barswell 272 

Master  of  Ceremonies,  Walter  H.  Landrum 274 

A  Look  Back  Over  the  Pastor's  Work,  by  Mrs.  Mamie  Jackson 

Tate k. . .  276 

A  Good  Shepherd,  by  Major  S.  W.  Easley '. . .  277 

Lines,  by  Little  Miss  Pearl  Shell 280 

Abstract  of  an  Address,  by  Win.  E.  Holmes .  281 

Sketch  of  Sermon— Let  us  Play  the  Man,  by  the  Author 284 

The  Negro  in  Oratory 291 

The  To-day  and  To-morrow  of  the  Colored  Man,  by  Rev.  Samuel 

Graves,  D.D 299 

All  Things  Work  Together  for  Good,  by  Deacon  Nick  Holmes. . .  314 

R.  B.  Ferrell ! 315 

Rev.  Joseph  Conyers 316 


1 


